No matter HOW much I work out, my tummy will always be soft and have a lower &qu!

No matter HOW much I work out, my tummy will always be soft and have a lower "spare tire"?

I used to swim 4 hours a day and do resistance work a couple times a week and even then, I was scared to wear a 2piece even tho the rest of my body was slim and strong and good looking. Now I simply do NOT have the time to exercise that much. Is there a way to work out SMARTER and once and for all be able to flaunt something close to FLAT!!!!!????
It is so unbelievably irritating.
Thanks!
23-f-5'6'', 142lb., 34" waist

I know there are specific exercises designed to target the abdominal muscles. The best routine would probably be a strict 10-30 minute a day workout focusing entirely on abdominal exercises, probably using some sort of weights as resistance. While swimming is excellent exercise, it will probably be more effective for overall body toning (arms, legs, back, shoulders, chest, etc.). Many types of exercise can help tone the abdominal muscles, but both men and women (though women in particular) have a hard time burning that layer of fat around the abdominal section. The human body tends to store fat here, and that fat can be extremely hard to burn. I recommend watching your diet to determine where most of your fat and calories are being consumed. Your body is likely holding on to these calories in your midsection. Try eating smaller portions more often throughout the day rather than a few regular or larger sized meals. This should teach your body to metabolize your food quicker, as it will be anticipating another meal within a couple of hours or so, whereas if you only eat a larger meal 2 or 3 times a day, your body will metabolize more slowly and attempt to store fat and calories to "hold you over" until your next meal.

All in all though, your figures are not at all bad. You do not appear to be overweight, particularly if much of your body weight is muscle mass. A soft tummy is really not all that bad, as long as you know you have muscle underneath. Keep in mind that women's bodies naturally have more fat than men's bodies. It is completely normal for you to have a few curves and softer features, and it is not at all unattractive (to most normal men, anyway). You may not always have a spare tire, but even if you do, it is not necessarily the end of the world. The important thing is that overall, you are fit and healthy.

Best of luck.