owww! I need some workout advice

[k1ki]

So I finally brought myself back to the gym. I think its been like a 4 month absense, and omg it was rough. My whole body is just aching today. I did the eliptical for 15 minutes and then decided to hop into the pool. I think this was my mistake because I really pushed myself. Swimming USS 4th grade through high school I was in pretty good shape. I never made it to the Olympics, but I could swim 500 yards in under 7 minutes and swam daily for about an hour and a half. Getting into the pool I started with my warmup which was just 4 laps of freestyle. By my 4th lap I definately was feeling a cramp coming on. I pushed myself by doing a 200 IM, then 8 laps of freestyle, another reverse 200 IM, 6 laps of freestyle, some kicking and drills, and a cool down. I mean this workout by no means was very difficult, but owww when I got out I couldn't really feel my limbs and today my back and legs are killing me. So friends out there, how do you slowly get back into shape without killing yourself? Swimming is my favorite exercise by far, I love how it just relaxes me. Does anyone have experience of a good workout combo of stretching/ cardio/ swimming. I really want to get myself back in shape, but I also need to be productive at work and not in grueling pain for the next few weeks!!! Help!!

<3 kiki