It’s easy to get caught up in those flashy advertisements promising those six pack abs with little effort and simple tricks. In reality, most of those “programs” are just trying to scam you out of your hard earned money. It takes hard work, dedication, and most importantly, proper knowledge. You can do countless sit-ups until you’re blue in the face but if you’re not approaching your ab training the right way, you’re wasting much of your time.

Here are 5 simple and effective tips that you should follow to start developing your ab muscles. As a result of these tips, your core and oblique muscles should look more defined and feel stronger. Remember, it takes time and patience. Six pack abs don’t come overnight. It may take weeks or months but you’ll certainly get there if you stay consistent with these basic essential principles.

Abs Tip #1 – You don’t get abs by just relying on ab workouts. You should understand that doing exercises that target a certain region does NOT cause fat to burn away in that particular region. For example, doing tons of abdominal exercises does NOT lead to preferential fat loss in the abdominal region. It will only build the muscle in the abs. Dieting and HIIT cardio will burn the layer of fat covering your abs. That’s why you should do ab exercises, diet, AND cardio to really see your abs.

Abs Tip #2 – When trying to get abs, you should avoid fast-digesting carbs like white bread, white potatoes, regular sodas, sports drinks, table sugar, etc. These types of simple carbs spike insulin, which halts fat-burning and boosts fat storage, particularly on top of your abs. Instead, choose more complex carbs like whole-wheat, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, quinoa, legumes and brown rice. One exception here: You can eat fast-digesting carbs right after workouts when your body needs them most. At all other times, stick with complex carbs.

Abs Tip #3 – Whenever you perform ab exercises, make sure to exhale when you reach the finish or top position. Also, squeeze your core at the top of the movement and hold it there for a few seconds. You will better contract your abs and you will maximize muscle-fiber involvement.

Abs Tip #4 – You see many people training their abs everyday. This is wrong! Would you train your biceps everyday? Your abs are just like any other muscle. They need proper rest and recovery, or you will risk overtraining and hindering your progress. Try to do abs no more than 3 times per week.

Abs Tip #5 – Training your abs with heavy weight will enable your abs to grow and press up against your skin. Doing hundreds of sit-ups or crunches does not equate to heavy resistance and will ultimately be ineffective. Whether you like to believe it or not, your abs respond effectively better to heavier weights and lower reps than higher reps.

I hope you incorporate these tips in your ab routine and you’ll notice major improvements.