[paddypullen]

I am in the middle of an inactive winter compared to my active summers and have put on a winter coat of fat! I'm joining a gym tomorrow and want to know what equipment/workout plan I should be using to burn as much fat as possible. I don't want to be chunky but am also very impatient and like to see results fast!! Any tips?

[Eileen G]

Big compound lifts using free weights. These are tough, but work.

As a trainer to put together a plan based on squats, bench press, deadlift, stiff leg deadlifts, lunges, military press, bent over row, pull-ups, dips, hyper-extension, wood choppers, plank.

As well, do intense cardio. Ideally, on different days from the weight training, but at least a couple of times a week, do running or cycling or rowing or something similar where you pant and sweat and are aware that you are working hard.

There is a myth of the "fat burning zone" which claims that moving slowly burns more fat than working hard. It's based on a mathematic fallacy. In real life, the harder you work, the better your results will be.