If you want to take your workouts to the next level, start with your middle. Your core contracts first in every exercise and then the energy is transferred to the limbs. In order to prime your core muscles, so they fire better during your other workout, you need to train your core first. By training your torso when your muscles are fresh, you will achieve the fastest gains. Performing classic ab moves like crunches and knee-ins at the beginning of your workout to warm up the muscles, you will be able to lift more weights, work more muscle and burn more calories later on. Sharing four ab warm-up exercises that you can do on a bench . Elevated Bicycle Crunch Lie on the bench with face-up, place your hands by your ears. Keep your legs out straight and elevated. Bring one knee up as you bring the opposite elbow to touch that knee. Contract your abs tightly as you come up with an exhale. Alternate with the other side. Alternating shoulder to knee crunches work all the major ab muscle