At least three women's mags now have cover stories that are variations on the old potboiler "flat abs in minutes a day." No wonder. Who wouldn't want that? A couple of minutes a day and that spare tire is gone -- minimum effort, maximal payoff. Put that story on the cover ... right next to the article on miracle cellulite creams.

Think it's too good to be true?

You're right.

Look through the articles -- they're all pretty interchangeable -- and you'll find an assortment of pretty good ab exercises. Crunches, side crunches, reverse crunches, the usual suspects. Done correctly, these exercises will absolutely build abdominal muscles.

Should you do them? You bet.

Will they work? Ah, there's the rub.

See, nearly everyone who wants a "flatter tummy" really wants to lose fat. And that's why the magic, "minutes a day" routines are a scam. Because -- hear me now -- no amount of crunches, no matter how religiously you do them, is going to get rid of fat around your middle. Fat comes off by eating in a way that causes the body to go into its "savings account" of fat and start using it up for energy. It comes off by burning calories through exercise. Lots of it. And it comes off when you increase your metabolic rate by building muscle.

So does this mean those ab routines are a waste? Not on your life.

Your abs are part of your core musculature. They, along with your lower back, are responsible for your posture and your carriage and are essential to a well-toned, fit body. They assist in dozens of movements and exercises. And they help you feel strong and centered.