Erin, you're right in trusting your gut instinct (couldnt resist the pun) S-c-a-m .

What you want are crunches of various types - there's an article by Dan about abs and one I posted called "Ab Bootcamp" with exercises and photos. And remember, abs are made in the kitchen - they are a function of % of body fat (generally below 15% for women and 10% for men). But doing the work now will ensure that when you do lose the fat covering them they will be ready for swim suit season

Nat