Hmmm, I guess for better or worse I don't really warm up or practice exercises like scales/rudiments, in the sense of some planned activity before practicing songs or before a gig. Like Per said, the first several minutes of whatever I'm doing are "ok" and things improve somewhat after that.
Maybe it's a time (or lack of discipline) issue but generally when I pick up the Stick at home it's to do one of three things: practice songs for a gig, write/arrange a tune, or record a tune. Within each song of course there may be tricky bits that I'll break down and turn into exercises - slow it down, repeat over and over, etc. There are many times I consider myself a somewhat sloppy player technique-wise (more focused on the conceptual/arrangement/composition aspect of things), so don't take my approach as the recommended one!
