X Stretch

This is a review of the X Stretch workout, part of the P90X program. To learn more about the program and see reviews of the other workouts in the program, click here.

The X Stretch, unsurprisingly, involves a lot of stretching. In fact, it’s the only non-workout in P90X. Designed to be done on your resting day each week (and also during the recovery weeks), it is a great way to give your muscles the care they need to recover from the prior week and get ready for the upcoming one

No hard work here

Other than the fact that I, personally, do not really enjoy stretching that much, this workout is a really nice change of pace in the program. Since I specifically don’t enjoy hamstring stretches, it is nice that most of the stretches work on other areas of the body.

What this means is that there are stretches here that target every major (and maybe every minor) muscle you have, from your neck to your toes. The entire time is really pretty relaxing and you finish up feeling refreshed and better for it.

How long does it take?

Well, probably longer than you’ve ever spent stretching at one time. This routine is just under an hour and well worth the time investment. If you’re considering doing P90X and see that, one day per week, you have the option of doing X Stretch or nothing, realize that stretching and flexibility really are key to your athleticism. If you are flexible, you are less likely to get injured and have more range of motion available to you during physical activity.

It really could be argued that this is the most important part of P90X. Just make sure you actually do treat the day you do X Stretch as a rest day. Don’t go out and do another workout. Your body needs rest and recovery time to repair muscles. If you don’t have it, your results will be severely diminished.

Don’t forget to take a look at other workouts in the program.

Photo by twenty_questions.