#9... It's easy to stay on the Stairmaster or finish a run. Regular aerobic exercise has all kinds of benefits, but a flat, well defined stomach is the icing on the cake. (Mmmm, cake... Maybe that was the wrong analogy.)

#8... There was a time when sitting down caused little rolls of fat to cascade down my stomach. These days I'm no longer mistaken for the Michelin Tire Man.

#7... I've learned a huge variety of cool ab exercises. I can torture my abs from every angle which keeps me from getting bored.

#6... Last time my husband tried to tickle me I tightened up my abs in self-defense and he said, "God, you could bounce bricks off of those!"

#5... If I can feel a little burn from an ab workout I'm MUCH less likely to overeat. I want to be able to see my efforts.

#4... Strong abs are fun to look at. When the light hits me just right, I have three neat vertical lines, one down the middle and one on each side where my obliques meet my rectus abdominis. ("Hello Mr. Abdominis, pleased to meet you.")

#3... I don't have to lie down to zip my jeans.

#2... Strong abs and back keep my Rottweiler from using my spine as a Slinky when I walk her. I no longer need to be put in traction every time she sees a kitty.

And, the #1 reason I love to do crunches... It's a good excuse to lie on the floor at the end of a killer workout. ("No, I'm not dead. I'm resting.")