Is there any aspect of life coronavirus doesn’t touch? It seems to be hard to find one.

Since it looks like coronavirus will be substantially disrupting society for at least the rest of this year, and possibly much of the next, take a minute to learn how you can keep your running regimen in place during that time:

1. Where Should You Run?

Running outside is just fine, and even much better during the pandemic. That’s because diseases transmit with far greater ease indoors.

Inside, someone sneezes. Or they wipe their nose. Then they touch something. And then you touch it. That’s how diseases spread so easily there.

Since you’re quite a ways away from anyone when you run outside, you don’t have to worry nearly as much about disease transmission.

If you enjoy the great outdoors, feel awesome about going for a run outside during the pandemic, as long as you’re operating within any local quarantine guidelines.

30-60 minutes of activity also improves your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses.

If you’re sick with coronavirus, or if you’re one of the at-risk groups, then by all means do stay inside.

2. What Can You Do If You Are Under Self-Quarantine Rules?

As long as you don’t show any symptoms of coronavirus, you do want to keep exercising. Use your treadmill or lift some weights.

Research is somewhat mixed on how much you should exericse. But it appears as though moderate exercise is the goal. So, aim to exercise around 30-60 minutes at moderate intensity about 3 times per week.

Avoid extremes of exercising way too much or too little. It appears that both actually inhibit your immune system.

Also, understand that you cannot exercise coronavirus out of your body. When you try to do that, you actually cause the exact opposite to happen.

3. Can You Run in Groups?

No. The authorities have this one correct. Keep your six feet of distance away from everyone else, just like it’s recommended.

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot avoid others, find a different route to run or turn around and go the other way. Do whatever you have to so you don’t get closer than six feet to others.

And when you get home, make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Either count to 20, or sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice.

This ensures you disinfect your hands entirely. And it gives the soap enough time to do its job. In reality, you should wash your hands this way even when a pandemic’s not going on. But, most people don’t follow this procedure unless they perceive a serious risk to themselves.

Those tips all come courtesy of Dr. David Nieman and Dr. Brian Labus via an interview in Runner’s World Magazine.

So, keep them in mind so you stay safe while we ride out these turbulent times coronavirus brings.