by Valerie Denny

Want to whittle your middle? iVillage expert Leslie Sansone says to remember the phrase "SEW easy" to help you get your best abs ever.

S is for strength-training. Aim to lift weights at least three times a week.

E is for eating. Limit your calories and practice portion control.

W is for walking. Try to walk at least three to five times a week for 35 to 45 minutes at a brisk pace.

Read on to download Leslie's Fabulous Abs Walking Program, plus her answers to the top five most commonly asked questions on the Walk Away the Pounds message board.

NEXT: "How soon will I see progress?" >>

I really don't want to get discouraged and I know I just started this week, but when will I lose just one pound from walking? I'm just curious when I will actually start seeing a change in my appearance. —tracey7237

From Leslie: SWEET TRACEY! I hear your frustration and I know that this journey to good health can be awfully discouraging at times. You are working so hard and trying to make all sorts of positive changes; you feel so good about your efforts and choices, and then you step on the scale to find NOTHING. That can be VERY disheartening—trust me I know! I am going to tell you the same thing I said to another poster earlier this morning: Use other means to determine your success and change.(Click to read how you should measure success.)

NEXT: The secret to strong abs >>

Where did you get your stability ball? What should you look for in one?—gal_amy

From Leslie: A happy morning to you my ab-conscious friend! A stability ball is an excellent fitness tool you can use to strengthen not only your core, but also your back. I LOVE USING A STABILITY BALL! Many days when I am at my desk for hours, I move my office chair out of the way and sit on the stability ball while using my computer! Just sitting on the ball activates muscle. I call it "active sitting". (Click to find out which size stability ball you need.)

NEXT: Leslie's favorite shoes>>

What shoes are you currently wearing? If you had to narrow it down to two choices, which would they be?—livnlearnn

From Leslie:You would be amazed at what people try to walk in. They walk in plastic sneakers or those cute canvas sneakers we used to wear in high school, or even SANDALS or worse yet BAREFOOT...ahhhhhhhhh...I just cringe when I think of this! God bless them, they don't know what damage they are doing to their feet, but I am here to help! They are under the misconception "[My shoes] are just walking so what difference could it make?" It makes a HUGE difference. ...(Click to find out Leslie's shoe picks.)

NEXT: Help for walking problems >>

Hi Leslie. I have arthritis in my hips. I tend to find sidesteps somewhat irritating. I try to do some, but usually I switch to walking after a while when my hip gets inflamed. I'm not sure whether to keep working on the joint so that it will improve or avoid the movements that irritate it. —Elissa

From Leslie:Your words are like music to my ears "but usually I switch to just walking after a while..." Ahhhh Elissa, my dear, that is what this whole concept is based on! My workouts are no rules, no requirements..and no demands. I ENCOURAGE everyone to walk at a rate that works for them. (Click to find out about Leslie's new program in the works.)

NEXT: Leslie's pedometer picks >>

Hi Leslie. Is there a pedometer you recommend? Thanks! —ellamenopea

From Leslie: A good morning to you Ella! Great question. I am WILD about all pedometers! They offer "measurement" of your movement in a day! So motivating! You can find many versions, from a basic step counter to a pedometer that will calculate not only steps taken, but also mileage accumulated, calories burned, and a variety of other details...(Click to find out Leslie's favorite brands)

NEXT: Download Leslie's Fabulous Abs Walking Program >>

Leslie's Playlist for This Month

1. "I'm Walkin'" by Fats Domino

2. "No Limit" by 2 Unlimited

3. "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra

4. "Big Girl You are Beautiful" by Mika

5. "Dance to the Music" by Sly & the Family Stone

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