Is there anything better than situps/stomach crunches to flatten a stomach?

[HeadFairy]

I can't really join a gym so I'm looking to do something about my flabby tummy at home. I've just done a load of situps, but I was wondering if there's an exercise that's better for flattening my tummy for the summer. I don't have the greatest lower back so I can't do anything too strenuous.

We do a good exercise at my aerobics class where you lie face up flat on floor, but prop yourself up on elbows. Then raise both legs ever so slightly off the floor and kick both legs in and out, bending at the knee. The progress to doing a sort of cycling motion with each leg going in and out at separate times. Killer for your lower tummy!

Crunches and especially sit ups are not going to be good for your lower back, and aren't that great for your abs either. Core exercises like the plank will strengthen your back.

One thing you can do anywhere (even while driving): sit straight, feet on floor. Pull in your tummy muscles and release. Do it 100 times, counting out loud as you do it helps. Do this 5 or 6 times a day. More info here.

Maybe have a look if there is an exercise DVD you can do, I have this which includes a specific midriff section, as well as some cardio routines. But there must be loads more out there.

pilates. definitely. will also help your back.

but you need to do a few sessions with a proper pilates person (technical term!) because it's easy to do the exercises incorrectly which will either a) not work (oh the horror!) or b) make things worse (double horror!)

Isn't there a local evening class you can do on the evenings you're not out at work? Once a week and I'm sure you will notice the difference in a couple of months.