A really effective method to tone up abs is to jog at least four times per week at an easy pace for 30 minutes to an hour. This aerobic exercise is a real fat burner and using erect posture while jogging will get abs toned up quickly.
The best way to tone abs is whole body workouts that combine aerobic, anaerobic, and weighted workouts and a solid diet. CrossFit is an example of one such program.
Believe it or not Cardio! In addition to doing "ab" exercises, cardio will be you best friend because you can't spot reduce fat from any section of your body.