T3's best full-body workout is still one of the most-read fitness articles we've ever published, which goes to show that people are interested in exercise routines that engage the entire body. And indeed, one of the best ways to build muscle and burn fat is to use multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This super-quick 4-move workout can help you build muscle, improve hip mobility and burn fat without too much effort.
Compound exercises are movements that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Think bench press, deadlift or squats; these exercises work not only your chest/back/leg muscles but also the triceps/shoulders/glutes, not to mention the smaller muscle groups you use to stabilise the movements. This effect increases both instantaneous and long-term calorie expenditure, as carrying around some extra muscle will improve your resting metabolic rate (the energy you use to exist).
