During a pandemic, outdoor activity is always safer than indoors. But for some, nothing replaces a gym.

Here are a few things to think about if you want to take your workout back inside →

Disinfect all surfaces you touch.

Gyms are germy. In one study, pathogens, including bacteria and the flu virus were found on 25 percent of gym surfaces.

• Make sure your gym has plenty of wipes, sinks and sanitizer stations.

• Wipe down all weights, bars, benches, machine rails and knobs.

Come prepared.

• Bring your own water bottle to avoid using water fountains.

• Carry two towels. One should be used to wipe sweat from your face. The other to cover the seats and benches.

Wear a mask.

Wearing a mask indoors is important to reduce infection risk. But it can be challenging to do while you are working out.

• Wearing a mask is easiest for people lifting weights, hardest for those on cardio machines, like treadmills.

• Cloth masks are much better than paper surgical masks, which become damp and lose their effectiveness.

Make sure your gym is prepared.

• Sign-in procedures should not require you to touch anything. Gym employees should wear face masks or stand behind sneeze guards.

• Social distancing is necessary. Find out how your gym is limiting attendance.

• Equipment, like treadmills, should be spaced out or taped off so only every other machine is in use.

Avoid indoor classes.

• Group classes in an enclosed spaces are a bad idea. In one study, 25 percent of people who shared a class with someone who was infected became ill.

• Find a group class outside.

Avoid stinky gyms.

• Well-ventilated buildings will lower your risk for breathing in viral droplets.

• If your gym has always felt and smelled clean that’s a good sign that it has good ventilation. Smelly gyms probably don’t.

• Talk to your gym about what they are doing to refresh the air.