newtosfitness07

Hello all - thanks for listening!
I am a 52 year old woman who has never exercised a day in her life until the last two months. I joined the gym at my office and am going in everyday and doing both cardio and strength training 5 days a week. I am overwieght and need to lose about 40 pounds. My kids are concerned that I am overdoing it. I started out slow (real slow) and have worked my way up on the elliptical to 35 minutes at the base resistance. There is a trainer at the gym but not real helpful She showed me how to use the machines but that's about it.

Couple things - am I really overdoing it? My kids are saying I shouldn't be doing the cardio and the strength training everyday. I do cardio and then 2 of the weight machines (different machines each day - rotating every three days).

What should I be doing and when? I started out on the treadmill and worked up to 30 minutes at 3.5 mph with a 3% incline but got some real bad shin splints so I moved to the elliptical. That seems to be working out better for me.

I just don't know - I obviously don't want to hurt myself and I don't want to lose the current momentum or rythym I am in. I actually find myself liking it. (really strange for me - I was an avid despiser of exercise).

Anyone have any suggestions for me? I can't hire a trainer and have them work with me at the gym - our office won't let non-employees on site.

Thanks for your help.