the pouch!

You won't see your abs until you lose the fat over them. I'd concentrate on cardio instead.

You say lower abs -- do you already have upper abs? If so, I would think the pouch is just loose skin. If the skin from previous fat loss, then it'll normally -- probably -- shrink on its own, over time. But seriously losing body fat also appears to be part of it: http://www.burnthefat.com/loose_skin.html "Flabby" basically means un-muscular; flab is just skin without muscle to fill it out. That's one of the differences between "skinny" and "fit." (I've been skinny and unfit before -- right now I'm over-fat but strong, and I much prefer this way. I intend to keep my muscles, regardless of whether they're hidden. :P)

If you don't have visible upper abs or if you're a little bit heavy, then the issue is probably, yes, fat covering the muscles. And since spot-reduction is a myth, the only way to solve that is through overall fat loss. It takes a pretty decent lowering of bf% to get visible ab definition, especially if you're a woman. Building up muscle underneath fat can make it seem more firm, however. Muscles bounce too if you aren't using them.

Seems like your best bet is to lose fat *and* build muscle. Generic advice, but still true :P

Hello! Two thoughts:

1.) Try integrating a kettlebell into your workout. It is amazing how proper use and varying the routine really activates your entire core. You'll see results fairly quickly and feel significantly stronger.

2.) Another way to address the issue (that has worked for me at least) is to try the South Beach diet. During phase one the first place you'll see a reduction of fat is in your middle section and then some continued fat loss all over through the following phases.

If you pair up these two tools, they'll work synergistically to help you realize your goals. Good luck!

I agree with the kettle ball idea when doing crunches as it adds more resistance! If you stop mid sit-up and move a weight/kettle ball to each side it can also work on the love handle regions! Try raising your legs on to a step or ball while doing crunches as that makes it slightly more difficult also.  A mixture of ab training and cardio training can work together to help you. 

I learnt most of this from my trainer because my abs are my problem area too - no matter how much weight I lose I still have weight on my tummy. Good luck!