McGill curl-ups, or modified curl-ups, are much friendlier for your lower back than moves like sit-ups, as your lower back is ...
(a) Lie on your back, knees bent. Pushing down with your heels, lift your hips till you have a straight line from your knees to shoulders. (b) Without over-arching your lower back, squeeze your bum as ...
The modified McGill curl-up is a Pilates go-to for ultimate core control and strength.