My story is similar (except for the smoking)...

After 2 kids, I don't even want to think about the way my lower (and ok..upper) abs look like. But I do know about the LOOKING pregnant part.

Anyway, I decided that low carbing wasn't going to reshape the body, and I HAVE to exercise somehow. Rented the Pilates for ABS dvd from the library, and well...learned that I HAVE NO ABS WHATSOEVER! Holy camole!

So I HAVE moved on to join a gym and am doing Body For Life. But I think the point is that I'm doing *something*.

I think Curves would be a great place to get started...because it's doing SOMETHING.

And, in my own opinion, I think you should also be doing crunches every other day. REad up on how to do them PROPERLY...as form is key. Also, do them slowly - quality, not quantity gets you muscles.

It's much less strain on the back, and it seems to be the most effective way of getting some muscles back there that seemed to leave the body when the kids did!

-- Loretta