That’s because our pores have still been opened from the extra blood flow, whether you felt them expelling sweat or not. Not to mention, gyms and classes can be quite unsanitary places – you don’t want to transfer the germs on your leggings from lying on a well-trodden mat to your desk chair, sofa or bed.

If you are going to run (by which we mean: gently walk) from your low-intensity class into the office or back home without a shower, choosing the right materials to help reduce bacteria spread is important. “Wearing thick fabrics that trap sweat and dirt can cause a build-up of sweat which leads to even more extreme overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, so look for breathable fabrics that don’t irritate your skin,” she says. There are all sorts of polyesters that are now made with sweat-wicking and breathability in mind, or bamboo is a natural, breathable alternative.

But the smartest thing you can do is avoid scheduling your toughest workouts for times you don’t have time to rinse off – or at least meal prep your recovery food so you don’t have to choose between showering and eating.

Can I stay in activewear after exercise? How to look after sweaty skin after working out