You may think that a good round of cardio-based exercises are the key to burning fat, but this is not always the case. True, exercises that keep you moving and make you sweat are effective, but you need to be working your muscles to truly get your body into fat-burning mode.

Exercises that work more than one muscle group at a time are ideal. Many of the best fat-burning exercises are not considered a cardio workout. Here are five fat-burning exercises that may surprise you.

Pushups

These are a great staple exercise that helps you build lean muscle, burn fat, and work several muscle groups at once. Although you may think of pushups as strictly an upper body exercise, they also work your core. You can start small and work your way up. If a full pushup is too difficult, try keeping your knees on the ground, and then build up to a traditional push up. When that becomes easy, add difficulty by doing one-legged pushups or another variety.

Burpees

Ah, the dreaded burpee. These are difficult, but very effective at blasting fat and getting you into shape. Start in a standing position, then squat down low. Place your hands flat on the ground on either side of your feet. Hop back with both feet into a pushup position. Hop back into the squat position and then jump straight back up into a standing position. Repeat.

Mountain climbers

Another intense exercise. Starting in the push up position, draw one leg up toward your chest, tapping your foot on the ground. Simultaneously, bring your other foot up into the same position as you push your other foot back into it's former position. Basically, run in place, but in a push up position.

Side planks with leg raises

Planks in general are a good fat burning and toning exercise. Try a side plank, and combine it with a leg raise.

Squats

The basic squat is a great fat burning exercise that can be modified to suit various levels of fitness. Adding weights to your squat ups the difficulty and the results. For an extra punch, you can do jumping squats. Lunges are another good one.

You will notice that none of these exercises requires any equipment, and can be done pretty much anywhere. In addition to burning fat, you will also tone and tighten up your body. You can do these workouts at home, but if you’re needing more direction and motivation, look into a personal trainer. Ralph Roberts , a personal trainer in Amarillo, can help develop a plan tailored to your specific fitness needs, and provide coaching and encouragement that can help you succeed. You can find Ralph Roberts at the Downtown Athletic Club.