When it comes to muscle tone, training style, nutrition and mindset are all
extremely important, but the most important would probably have to be nutrition.
Abs building takes discipline in diet, and what you eat plays a major role.  That’s why a lot of trainers put so much emphasis on creating a diet log or routinely monitoring your intake.
 
Though there are a lot of complicated diets prescribed for muscle tone, here’s the gist of it: Maintain a good balance between fats, carbs, and proteins, eat natural
unprocessed organic foods, and avoid cravings for the “junk foods” that big food companies are throwing at you in the supermarket and elsewhere.  It’s also important to practice portion control: overall caloric intake is one of the critical factors in whether you’ll see the change you want.  Don’t give in to binge eating or trying to fill up the ravenous hunger you may feel after a workout.

For a workout prescription, try weight training exercises that boost your metabolism and burn fat.  Go with high-value presses and barbell weight sets.  You’ll be able to “feel the burn” when you are working out in ways that really tone your body.  In general, a lot of reps at lower weights is better than maxing out on weight.  A good balance of resistance is key: you want to burn fat and gain muscle without over-stressing your joints, muscles or bones.  That means longevity over high weight, and for the best result, keep on going.  Lackadaisical exercise patterns won’t deliver the same effects as really focused ones.  Incorporate any high-impact cardio activity like sprinting, lunges or other routine to get your body firing on all cylinders.  Again, when you reach the threshold of where your body really begins to be proactive in a workout, you can feel the additional endorphin rush.  Stay true to your body’s rhythm, don’t push too hard, but a little push can be just right.

Basically, this kind of muscle building is based on your own internal characteristics more than gimmick diet, a gimmick drug, or a clinical prescription for the gym.  There are mass-marketers behind every tree to get you the next “miracle product” but it’s will-power and drive that will carry you to where you want to be in your fitness goals, for six-pack abs or any similar idea.  It’s also endurance: consistent behavior over time is what you want.  Don’t settle for a few manic periods of inspiration.  Be your own manager and evaluate what you do, and when you do it.  Then tell yourself about a new program that builds consistency into workouts and diet options, and keep on going to achieve your results, instead of looking around for outside help from the wrong places.