I wasn't sure what my physical therapist meant when she told me to "zip it up" as I was exhaling during an ab exercise. So she explained: Suck in your stomach just like you would if zipping really tight jeans. Aha. We all know how that feels, right? My exercise suddenly became easier.

Here it is, a little something designed to strengthen the lower transversus abs.

• Lie on your back.
  
  

• Place hands on your lower abdomen.
  
  

• Inhale and feel your abdomen expand. Your tummy should pushed out and full of air.
  
  

• Exhale as you pull your lower abdominals in, just like you would when zipping tight pants. The more forcefully you exhale, the stronger the transversus abdominus contraction.
  
  

Do 10 to 15 reps twice daily and before you know it, those tight jeans won't be so tight.