Ab workouts?

I was cleared a couple of weeks ago for full-on workouts. Anyone out there doing any kind of ab workouts? I started a workout routine and want to know what the best workouts are to see some definition, not looking for an 8 pack or even a 6 pack, I'll settle for a 4 pack lol but if there is anything out there that gets results, could you share what has worked for you. I want to get some definition for after the holidays and going into summer.

 My trainer friends are always saying that it's not so much the size/tone of the ab muscles but the thickness of the fat laying over it that determines how many "packs' you have. You can have rock-hard abs but you won't have a 6-pack if there's enough fat covering them like a blanket. So diet is really really integral to getting that toned look. Of course you wanna work out your abs too because it'll look crappy if they're puny once you uncover them. I don't know what your bodyfat percentage is now but the general online concensus seems to be that men need to be in the range of ~10% bodyfat or lower to get a 6-pack. I dunno what would give you a 4-pack. It also depends on where your fat is distributed and how your body is just put together. 

Pilates is a really great ab workout, I plan on doing it again once I'm all healed from my TT. 

Well, I'm not sure what my bodyfat % is but I have a flat stomach from the TT with 0% fat covering it. So I guess I'll just keep trying or maybe I'll try pilates. Thanks for the reply.

I swear by Pilates. Looks so easy, tones your abs super fast.  Also if you can find a bands class, they are really good for overall toning and will work your abs also.I can't wait to get back to my pilates class.

Thanks Kate. I guess a lot of people I talk to swear by the pilates. Maybe I'll give it a try.

 Most gyms have ab machines that work on those areas as well. 

For at home - google "sit up variations" and create a workout routine. Not just your standard sits, you want to work your upper and lower abs and your obliques. Also, I'd try some Pilates type moves - planks are the BEST for core strength. 

Ive even heard tha****ching TV on a core stability ball can work your abs (and lower back) "real good" and give you some of those "packs" of which you speak!

I have one of those balls to andforgot about it until you reminded me. I'll look up some exercises to do with that to. Right now I'm working out with a DVD called Power 90 but only using portions of it like the ab ripper and dumbell exercises, I don't think i could do a full blown workout yet like that even though I have been cleared for it. The ab ripper exercises really make me sore afterwards. I'll look up the exercises with the yoga ball. Thanks.

My coworkers are really into the P90 or P90X.  I'll probably give it another month or two before I try to find a good ab workout program.  I'm looking forward to start a running program soon.  Having some foot problems, but once that's healed I'm on the road...

Good luck!

Ya - start gentle.  I waiting quite some time before hitting abs hard post-TT - and it still HURT.  But it did get better - I worked up slowly.

Good luck!

Right now there is about 10 exercises I do and about 20 of each one if I can. I'm not going to overdo it, I'll take my time.