If you are planning on wearing a bathing suit this summer, now is the time to start working on those abs. But what ab workout should you choose? It seems that each week there’s a new tool or video that promises you six-pack abs with almost no effort at all.

The problem is that most of these tools and workouts don’t do much for you unless you work out your abs regularly and also spend a good bit of time doing cardio training to burn off that extra layer of fat standing between you and your abs. After all, your six pack abs won’t show up unless you also lose any excess weight / fat in your abdomen.

For that same reason, a healthy diet is also important. So throw out those christmas cookies and snack on some fruits and veggies instead.