Hi everyone. Quick question here. I've been a medium distance (3-5 miles) runner in the past to stay in shape. Recently, however, I've been slacking and I've managed to put some fat around my stomach.

I'd like to build upper body muscle and burn away that fat for more muscle definition.

My plan is to work out one day and then run next and keep alternating like that to burn the fat and build muscle. Is this a good plan? Are there better ways of doing it?

I've never actually worked out before. The school I'm attending this fall has a decent gym, and I own a workout "cage" (something like this: http://www.need2bfit.com/mas_assets/...ms-g3004-8.jpg). Can I do many of the same exercises on my equipment that will be offered in a normal gym?

As a beginner, what am I going for as far as the actual workouts go? How many sets should I go for, and how many reps in each? What's a good amount of time for a beginner to spend working out? How many different exercises should I do each day?

Help would be appreciated.

Oops, just noticed that many of my questions were answered in the 101 sticky.

Newbie mistake. =/