Resource

VIDEO

Resource

VIDEO

Space Gym

NASA shows you how astronauts use out-of-this-world exercise equipment.

Grades

5 - 12

Subjects

Engineering, Physics

Image

ed white spacewalk

Ed White performs first U.S. spacewalk

Photograph courtesy of NASA

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You have to be in shape to be an astronaut! In space, astronauts’ bodies can lose strength and make them feel weak when they get back to Earth. Watch this video to learn how astronauts work out, and how you can exercise like an astronaut using equipment in your school, gym, or home.

Fast Fact

Astronauts ride a CVIS (Cycle-Ergometer Vibration Isolation System), an unusual stationary bicycle, to help improve their cardio (heart) health. On Earth, we can go for a bike ride or use a regular stationary bike.

Fast Fact

Astronauts ride a CVIS (Cycle-Ergometer Vibration Isolation System), an unusual stationary bicycle, to help improve their cardio (heart) health. On Earth, we can go for a bike ride or use a regular stationary bike. Astronauts have to “strap in” to a CVIS, because a lack of gravity prevents them from sitting down and staying put. Special shoes also snap into CVIS’ pedals to make sure astronauts don’t just float away.

Fast Fact

Astronauts use an ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) to build strong muscles. Back on Earth, we can lift weights or use weightlifting machines.

Fast Fact

Astronauts use an ARED (Advanced Resistive Exercise Device) to build strong muscles. Back on Earth, we can lift weights or use weightlifting machines. ARED uses air, not weights, to create resistance. (In microgravity, “weights” don’t actually weigh much of anything!) Astronauts pull against vacuum cylinders, which lack air, to create resistance and work their muscles.

Fast Fact

Astronauts use a TVIS (Treadmill Vibration Isolation System) to increase their endurance, so they can work for longer periods of time without feeling weak. On Earth, we can go running or use a treadmill.

Fast Fact

Astronauts use a TVIS (Treadmill Vibration Isolation System) to increase their endurance, so they can work for longer periods of time without getting tired. On Earth, we can go running or use a treadmill. Astronauts “strap in” to a TVIS using a series of flexible bungees. This keeps them on the treadmill. TVIS also has strong steel “treads” that won’t break and float away, putting astronauts and equipment in danger.

Credits

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Writer

National Geographic Society

Editor

Melissa MacPhee, National Geographic Society

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

November 14, 2022

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