I am trying to start exercising. I started going to the gym in my apartment building. I started with the elliptical but then turned to the treadmill and I used to run for 30 minutes and get about 2.5 miles. I did this for about 2 weeks and had two days off each week. So after I switched to the treadmill and in the last week I could no longer do the exercises because I got shin splints or whatever it's called and I couldn't walk without it hurting. So for this last week I stopped exercising.

So I was wondering what exercises/exercising should I do?

I can only get in about 30 minutes with college and homework and what not.
I have no idea how many miles I should be getting in that time frame.
and I have no idea what machine or weights (in the whole gym) I should use.

I am 18 and 5'6" and around 190 lbs. I feel I'm fairly capable of being active and I am up for any advice or tips. So basically I'd like tips on an exercise session that will maximize the time and the weight lose.

sorry it's long
and thanks in advance

blonde08

Well, you might try a video work out.
Like the 30 Day Shred.
Its a real butt busting work out.
And its only about 25 minutes total.
So pretty fast.

You could also go back to the elliptical trainer. Much less stress on your joints and no shin splints. Also google high intensity interval training(HIIT), it will give you a lot of good ideas on how to get the most of your cardio workout in the shortest time.