Life in space is serious business.
There’s no room for mistakes, and no messing around.
OK, there’s some messing around.
But weightlessness has downsides too. Because it doesn’t take much effort to move around, the astronauts’ bodies don’t get much of a workout.
There’s a danger their bones and muscles will weaken while they’re in space.
The solution?
Two hours of exercise, every single day – but that’s not easy to do without gravity pulling you down!
So, here’s a curious question...
How do astronauts exercise in space?
The International Space Station has a one-of-a-kind gym on board, specially designed for weightless workouts
First – an exercise bike.
There’s no seat – because when you’re floating in space, you don’t need to sit!
Next, there’s a treadmill.
For this, the astronaut wears a harness, attached to the treadmill by bungee cords.
The harness pulls down on their body as they run, copying the way gravity affects us on Earth. This makes it feel more like a normal jog ...well, sort of normal anyway!
Finally, there’s weightlifting – but with a twist! Regular weights would just float away.
Advanced
Resistance
Exercise
Device
So instead, they use something called the advanced resistance exercise device – or ARED for short.
The bar resists movement – that means it’s difficult to push or pull. It can be used for push-ups, sit-ups, and more.
This makes sure the crew gets a good daily workout, ready for the return to Earth!
So, that’s how astronauts exercise: There are three exercise machines on board the International Space Station.
Each is designed to work in a weightless environment.
Daily workouts keep the astronauts’ muscles and bones strong.
Got it?
Great – another curious question answered!