Book 8, Question 85
Why Do Astronauts Exercise Every Day in Space?
Astronauts exercise every day in space because without Earth's usual gravity load, bones and muscles weaken. Workouts fight that, so bodies stay stronger for the trip home. They exercise about two hours every day.
More fun facts
- Space station crews now exercise about two hours a day to fight muscle and bone loss in microgravity.
- Their workouts mix strength training with aerobic exercise.
- One machine on the station copies the forces of lifting free weights on Earth.
- Early on, even astronauts who exercised up to 10 hours a week still lost muscle and bone.
- Scientists are testing electrical muscle stimulation to make workouts shorter and exercise machines lighter.
- Researchers are working on the best mix of food, exercise and medicine to keep astronauts healthy on trips to the Moon and Mars.
Questions kids ask
How long do astronauts exercise each day?
About two hours.