What is crucial to do before any stretching routine?

Warming up the muscles thoroughly before any stretching routine is essential because it helps prepare the body for exercise, increases blood flow to the muscles, and elevates the body's core temperature. This preparation reduces the risk of injury by loosening the muscles and improving their elasticity, making stretches more effective and safe. A proper warm-up is typically a low-intensity activity that engages the muscle groups that will be stretched, allowing individuals to achieve greater flexibility and mobility benefits from the stretching routine.

While dynamic exercises and activities like yoga can contribute to flexibility and mobility, they are usually considered part of a warm-up rather than a substitute for one. Simply using resistance bands without a warm-up would not adequately prepare the muscles and could lead to strain or injury.