Whether you refer to it as X Stretch or Stretch X P90X, the workout is the same. You’ll see it on your P90X calendar and breathe a sigh of relief because it signifies a day of rest, a day to take it easy, and a day to stretch away the aches and soreness of the previous P90X week. While it’s included as a “suggestion” for rest days in the P90X Classic approach, it’s a suggestion that we really urge you to take.

Flexibility is often overlooked in workout programs despite its known benefits. It doesn’t only feel good to stretch, it can improve your fitness results and quite simply make life easier!

Stretch X P90X is designed to increase your flexibility and give you a “time out” from the really strenuous P90X workouts. It includes some gentle yoga stretches and really basic stretches that you can do whenever you have the chance. Use it as a learning tool and you will likely find some favorite stretches that you can do again and again.

So why is Stretch X P90X included with the program if it’s an “easy” workout and completely “optional”? Because Tony Horton and the people over at Beachbody know just how important stretching is to a fitness plan. Stretching can actually prevent injury and makes it far easier to go about your daily life. Reaching, bending, and twisting aren’t accompanied with a groan of discomfort when you regularly stretch.

While in some of the approaches Stretch X P90X is completely optional, we encourage people to do it frequently. Do it on your rest day and if you’re up to it—add it to a few other days a week. Stretching won’t hinder your progress and you may find it gives you a nice way to cool down after the daily P90X workout!

For more information on the benefits of stretching, check out what Mayo Clinic has to say on the matter, or this great article from MSNBC.