Like roachboy said, it depends on what I'm doing. I am not a classical pianist by any stretch although I have classical training on violin. If I'm getting ready to record a part for a song we usually just turn everything on and capture it all. You never know what might come out during a "warm-up;" it could be the perfect part.
If it's for a live performance we usually want to loosen up the whole body. Performance in a band is not so much about perfect notes but about the energy on stage. Sometimes we sing as a group backstage. Sometimes we chant or dance around or whatever.
Oh, yeah. A shot or two of Irish Whiskey helps.
