NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara has recently shared a video showcasing her workouts on the International Space Station (ISS), giving the public a rare Look into the rigorous fitness regime that astronauts must follow to maintain their physical health in the microgravity environment of space. O’Hara spent 203 days in space before returning to Earth in April 2024, and during that time, she exercised for over two hours every day to maintain her bone and muscle health.
As it turns out, exercising in space is no easy feat. The lack of gravity makes it difficult for astronauts to perform certain exercises, and specialized equipment is required to provide the necessary resistance and stability. The ISS is equipped with advanced exercise machines, such as the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) and the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (CEVIS), which allow astronauts to engage in a variety of physical activities, including weightlifting, cardio, and running.
Each astronaut exercises for 2.5 hours every day, which consists of 60 minutes of weightlifting and 30 to 50 minutes of cardio. They use a combination of machinery and harnesses to perform exercises, as the lack of gravity means that they weigh significantly less than they would on Earth. However, even with the use of harnesses, astronauts must still wear specialized suits to protect themselves from the effects of microgravity.
O’Hara’s video shows her using the ARED machine, which consists of pneumatic cylinders that create the necessary force to give her a decent workout. She is seen lifting weights and performing resistance exercises, as well as using the CEVIS machine, which is designed to simulate cycling and provide a cardiovascular workout. The video also shows her using the cupola, a dome-shaped observatory on the ISS that provides stunning views of the Earth and the planets.
Astronauts’ Grueling Fitness Regimes in Orbit
In addition to the physical challenges of exercising in space, astronauts also face mental challenges. Many astronauts report feeling disconnected from their body and experiencing a sense of floating or weightlessness. O’Hara noted that exercising in space can be a psychological boost, allowing them to feel more grounded and connected to their physical bodies.
The importance of exercise in space cannot be overstated. Prolonged periods of microgravity can lead to muscle atrophy and bone loss, as well as other health problems. By exercising regularly, astronauts can maintain their physical health and reduce the risk of injury or illness.
The research conducted on the ISS has important implications for future space missions, including the planned lunar missions and long-duration crewed missions to distant planets like Mars. NASA has already begun researching the effects of exercise in space, as well as other factors such as diet, to develop more effective strategies for maintaining astronaut health.
The video shared by O’Hara provides a unique Look into the life of an astronaut on the ISS. Her grueling fitness regime is a testament to the important role that exercise plays in space, and her experiences demonstrate the challenges and rewards of living and working in microgravity.
