BOSTON -- Are you still trying to get over the C-Section you had years ago? Has your "baby fat" due to pregnancy become a permanent part of your abdomen? Well take heart, there are a few things you can do to tighten up that mid-section and feel like you have some control over your core.

Yes, core is the buzzword that describes your middle area. Need some ideas? First of all, remember that there is no such thing as spot reducing. Thousands of crunches, curls, sit-ups, won't do the job. So, if it's a "weight" issue, then put that in a separate category.

But, if it's a toning up and strengthening issue, then read on. Two of my favorites are below:

1.) Curl-ups: these strengthen and tone the entire abdominal area (there really aren't upper and lower abdominals. They are all connected!)

Lying on the floor -- one leg is bent with the knee flexed to 90 degrees while the other leg remains relaxed on the floor. Before doing anything, brace the abs (think of pulling the ribs to the hips and bellybutton to your back, then lift the head and shoulders a short distance off the floor.) Be sure that there is no chin poking or chin tucking. A trick if you experience neck discomfort is to place your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. Come up for three counts, hold, lower for three counts. Do eight on each side.

2.) Side lying bridge: these will strengthen the transverse abdominals (lower area) and the obliques (the muscles along the side that help shape your waist). Lie on your side, arms crossed over your chest, brace your abs as in the above exercise, and then lift both legs off the floor laterally while lifting the head and neck. Come up for three counts, hold, lower for three counts.

Good luck, and look for future tips on more CORE strengthening exercises!