Living in St. George, UT, you know how intense the summer heat can get. When temperatures soar, outdoor activities like hiking or running might feel impossible, especially during the peak of the day. However, that doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to suffer! Staying active indoors can be just as effective, and it’s perfect for busy college students who need to squeeze in a workout between classes. Here’s a list of easy indoor exercises you can do when it’s too hot outside: 

No equipment? No problem! Bodyweight exercises are perfect for a full-body workout right in your dorm or apartment. Try this simple circuit: 

• Squats (3 sets of 15-20 reps): These will work your legs and glutes while boosting your heart rate. 

• Push-Ups (3 sets of 10-15 reps): Strengthen your arms, chest, and core. 

• Plank (3 sets, hold for 30 seconds): Engage your entire core and help improve your posture. 

• Mountain Climbers (3 sets of 20 reps per leg): A cardio move that also strengthens your core and legs. 

You can complete this circuit in under 20 minutes, and it’s perfect for small indoor spaces. 

Yoga is a fantastic way to stay active indoors, especially in a hot desert climate like St. George’s. Yoga not only improves flexibility but also helps reduce stress—a major benefit during college. Some great beginner yoga poses include: 

• Downward Dog 

• Child’s Pose 

• Warrior I and II 

• Cat-Cow Stretch 

You can follow free YouTube tutorials or use a yoga app to guide you through a full session. Even 10–15 minutes of yoga can leave you feeling rejuvenated. 

If you have a jump rope, this is an excellent cardio workout that requires minimal space and equipment. If you don’t, you can do an invisible jump rope, simulating the movement without the rope. Jumping rope for just 5-10 minutes is a great way to get your heart rate up without needing to go outside in the heat. 

HIIT workouts are perfect for getting a quick, intense session done indoors. You can do short bursts of high-intensity exercises followed by short rest periods. Here’s a quick HIIT routine you can do: 

• Burpees (30 seconds): Full-body cardio exercise that burns calories fast. 

• Rest (15 seconds) 

• Jump Squats (30 seconds): Builds lower body strength while keeping your heart rate high. 

• Rest (15 seconds) 

• Plank-to-Push-Up (30 seconds): Targets your core, arms, and chest. 

• Rest (15 seconds) 

Repeat this circuit 3-4 times for a challenging workout that can be completed in 20 minutes or less. 

If you have access to dumbbells or resistance bands, you can create a versatile strength training routine. Here are some simple exercises you can do with minimal equipment: 

• Bicep Curls (3 sets of 12 reps) 

• Shoulder Press (3 sets of 12 reps) 

• Lateral Raises (3 sets of 12 reps) 

• Resistance Band Rows (3 sets of 12 reps) 

This type of strength training is a great way to build muscle and stay in shape without having to hit the gym or head outdoors. 

Who says working out can’t be fun? Dance workouts are a fun way to break a sweat and get some cardio in while staying indoors. You can follow along with dance routines on YouTube or apps like Zumba. Even just putting on your favorite music and dancing for 10-15 minutes can help you burn calories and boost your mood. 

Working on your core is essential for overall strength and stability, and you can easily do it indoors. Here’s a quick ab workout you can follow: 

• Crunches (3 sets of 15-20 reps) 

• Leg Raises (3 sets of 15 reps) 

• Russian Twists (3 sets of 20 reps per side) 

• Bicycle Kicks (3 sets of 15-20 reps per leg) 

This quick ab workout can help tone your midsection while being a great addition to any workout routine. 

If your building has stairs, you can use them for an effective indoor cardio workout. Simply walking or running up and down the stairs for 10-15 minutes can provide a great lower-body and cardiovascular workout. It’s a great way to keep your legs strong without venturing outside into the blazing heat. 

When the St. George heat is too much to handle, these indoor exercises are your solution to staying active and fit. Whether you’re looking for a quick 10-minute workout or a full 30-minute sweat session, these routines are designed for busy college students with limited space and time. So, crank up the AC, get moving, and stay on top of your fitness goals no matter how hot it gets outside!