Insanity Day 3 and calves are killing me

You are likely experiencing DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness), which is completely normal for the first week of insanity. I think every part of me hurt that first week. Light exercise, such as walking followed by stretching, should help reduce the soreness. As long as it is total muscle soreness and not a sharp pain at a single location, you should be fine. DOMS will typically go away after a few days (I didn't really get it again until I started month 2, and even then, it wasn't as severe). If you're worried that it's slowing you down, do an extra 15 minute warm-up before you start so that you're nice and loose before starting the "official" warm-up. Hope that helps.

There are lots of reviews for this workout on Amazon -- many good reviews and some negative ones that talk about injuries (the 1-stars). I read through them when I was trying to decide whether to buy the DVD.

http://www.amazon.com/Beachbody-SANDVD2151-INSANITY-DVD-Workout/product-reviews/B002QZ1RS6/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0

Here's one excerpt that talks about leg pain:

"Overall, this is a very good and challenging workout. I completed 7 weeks of the 9 week program and feel that I am in better shape cardiovascularly and my core is stronger. I didn't loose any weight and my body looks no different than when I started. However, I can't recommend this workout to anyone due to its unbalanced approach and high impact movements that can cause injury. I think you can achieve the same results with a lower impact workout. In addition, there is very little stretching (and what there is can be awkward) and Shawn T is not graceful in this respect. Also, there isn't any balance between working chest and back or quads and hamstrings. As a result, my experience suggests that this imbalance can lead to poor posture and potential injury. The lack of stretching is more alarming. I had such cramping in my legs, I couldn't lay flat without pain and had to sleep in the fetal position. It's frustrating because from a fitness perspective, the workouts were enjoyable and effective but just not worth the risk for injury.

I've been working out for over 20 years (I'm 35, 5'9", 155 lbs, male) lifting weights, running, swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing, and practicing yoga. I've never had any serious injury due to any of my exercises. However, I had to stop walking up and down stairs around week 5 of this program even with icing my knees after every workout. I finally decided to stop the workout completely when I could not do the moves during the workout without joint pain (not the "good" burning pain from working out)."

We'll get through it

I'm in week 4 of Insanity and I have to tell you--that first week KILLED my calves! I'd say by the beginning of week 2 it was much better. Keep going!! Insanity is great! Finishing up week 4 this week and on to "recovery week" next week. Scared for Month 2!

My calves seem to be OK so far (I'm on day 4!) but I know when I started good old 30 Day Shred a while back, my calves were like yours for the first week or so. I must be used to jumping up and down now!

There are lots of reviews for this workout on Amazon -- many good reviews and some negative ones that talk about injuries (the 1-stars). I read through them when I was trying to decide whether to buy the DVD.

http://www.amazon.com/Beachbody-SANDVD2151-INSANITY-DVD-Workout/product-reviews/B002QZ1RS6/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0

Here's one excerpt that talks about leg pain:

"Overall, this is a very good and challenging workout. I completed 7 weeks of the 9 week program and feel that I am in better shape cardiovascularly and my core is stronger. I didn't loose any weight and my body looks no different than when I started. However, I can't recommend this workout to anyone due to its unbalanced approach and high impact movements that can cause injury. I think you can achieve the same results with a lower impact workout. In addition, there is very little stretching (and what there is can be awkward) and Shawn T is not graceful in this respect. Also, there isn't any balance between working chest and back or quads and hamstrings. As a result, my experience suggests that this imbalance can lead to poor posture and potential injury. The lack of stretching is more alarming. I had such cramping in my legs, I couldn't lay flat without pain and had to sleep in the fetal position. It's frustrating because from a fitness perspective, the workouts were enjoyable and effective but just not worth the risk for injury.

I've been working out for over 20 years (I'm 35, 5'9", 155 lbs, male) lifting weights, running, swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing, and practicing yoga. I've never had any serious injury due to any of my exercises. However, I had to stop walking up and down stairs around week 5 of this program even with icing my knees after every workout. I finally decided to stop the workout completely when I could not do the moves during the workout without joint pain (not the "good" burning pain from working out)."

I would have to agree with the reviewer. Most of the participants in the video are in their 20s, so maybe its an age thing where the lack of stretching doesnt seem to hinder the younger audience? It could be that that individuals who arent as flexible have these issues as well? I have both strikes against me (almost 40 and poor flexibility). I wound up receiving a couple of lower body injuries doing this as well. One was a calf and the other was a glute.

So my advice is listen to your body. If you need to warm up lightly and do extra stretching before hand then do that. One thing that did help me was when going through the Insanity warmup. Go at a pace that feels good. For example on the high knees in the first warmup round I would just lift my knees to my chest at a moderate pace. Theres no reason for me to high knee to my chest while in a dead sprint within the first 3 minutes of a workout. Thats just begging to be injured. Riught out of the starting block the intensity level are pretty ramped up and just starting out cold for a lot of people like that isnt the best thing. Im not suggesting you stretch for 30 minutes before starting this but there are a few Mobility, Warmup & stretches that could be done about 5-10 minutes prior that might help with the workout and your recovery. Good luck in staying safe!