so...about my abs

First of all, ab work won't get rid of the muffin top. Spot reducing is a myth.

But for abs, have you tried planks?

Sound like you just need to lower overall bf% somewhat.

No need for direct isolation ab work, that does not give you defined abs, I would suggest eating at 10% below your TDEE and get adequate protein (0.8grams/lb of weight should be a good number to start with), and take part in a heavy lifting strength training routine that centers around compound moves (Bench press, shoulder press, pull-ups, dead lifts, squats, cleans etc.)

You can't spot reduce, but if you're looking to strengthen your abs and core, planks and all their variations are a good place to start.

I like plank crunches....okay well I don't "like" them, but they're really effective.

Sound like you just need to lower overall bf% somewhat.

No need for direct isolation ab work, that does not give you defined abs, I would suggest eating at 10% below your TDEE and get adequate protein (0.8grams/lb of weight should be a good number to start with), and take part in a heavy lifting strength training routine that centers around compound moves (Bench press, shoulder press, pull-ups, dead lifts, squats, cleans etc.)

I agree with this

everyone has "abs" but in order for them to show you need to eat clean and lower BF%. Abs are made in the kitchen... apparently.

Clean eating may help you achieve a deficit, but it is not a prerequisite. As long as you get protein and have a caloric deficit (just a small one) you will lose body fat and drop bf%

I don't know if your planet fitness offers it, but mine has a free meeting with a trainer that can show you how to properly use the machines so you don't cause injury. They will also develop a plan specifically for you depending on what you want to work on. Again, I don't know if your location does it but it's worth checking out.

I'm 5'5" and 128 and think my abs are coming along quite nicely (see profile picture). What you really need to do to get that flat tummy is lower overall body fat percentage to sub 20%. I have accomplished this through lifting heavy and eating at a very slight deficit with high protein. I recommend the book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" and the corresponding diet and exercise plan.

I also find a very intense yoga class I take to be better work for my core than any self-led moves I have tried.

Sound like you just need to lower overall bf% somewhat.

No need for direct isolation ab work, that does not give you defined abs, I would suggest eating at 10% below your TDEE and get adequate protein (0.8grams/lb of weight should be a good number to start with), and take part in a heavy lifting strength training routine that centers around compound moves (Bench press, shoulder press, pull-ups, dead lifts, squats, cleans etc.)

I agree with this

YES! Check out "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" by Lou Schuler. Good luck.

I like plank crunches....okay well I don't "like" them, but they're really effective.

I had to save this image, looks like a great exercise.

agreed! :-)

everyone has "abs" but in order for them to show you need to eat clean and lower BF%. Abs are made in the kitchen... apparently.

Sound like you just need to lower overall bf% somewhat.

No need for direct isolation ab work, that does not give you defined abs, I would suggest eating at 10% below your TDEE and get adequate protein (0.8grams/lb of weight should be a good number to start with), and take part in a heavy lifting strength training routine that centers around compound moves (Bench press, shoulder press, pull-ups, dead lifts, squats, cleans etc.)

right on

caloric deficit + time = lower bf%

^ This, and by getting enough protein a higher % of your loss will come from Fat vs. muscle than if you ate less protein, so at every weight as you lose your BF% would be lower with more protein.

I guess I should of been more clear, I work out my other muscle groups and do cardio too but I'm struggling with ab exercises. I have no idea how to do free weights or any type of heavy lifting weights. How exactly can I lower my bf%? Eat more protein? I already eat under my calorie limit usually.

You don't need to do isolated ab exercises...they really, truly, honestly...and I can't emphasize this enough...they truly do very little and are pretty much a waste of time. Doing body core exercises like planks, mountain climbers, etc do not isolate the abs (remember, you don't need to) but they work the holy hell out of your core (which gives you good strong abs). Believe me, you will feel it. I know you don't have access, but if you ever come around to it, compound lifts (squats, overhead press, deadlifts, bench press, power cleans, etc)...again, they don't isolate the abs but I guarantee you will feel them burning like holy hell on fire. Sprinting is also an outstanding workout for the abdominal region as well as just about every other muscle in your body.

Now, for those abs to show you have to lower your BF%...you do this by eating at a caloric deficit. You can also eat at maintenance and you will slowly build muscle and slowly shed the fat if you're lifting.