NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Get the skinny on how astronauts build a better body for space and what it means to you and your readers.

Everyday as humans live and work in space onboard the International Space Station (ISS) -- unlocking mysteries of our universe -- we are learning more about our bodies and how they respond to low gravity for long periods of time.

Health and fitness fundamentals for space are shaping how we stretch further into the universe while conditioning health and fitness advances here on Earth.


Image above: Astronaut Edward T. Lu, Expedition 7 NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer, uses the short bar for the Interim Resistive Exercise Device (IRED) to perform upper body strengthening pull-ups. The IRED hardware is located in the Unity node on the International Space Station. + Visit the Fit for Space Gallery. Credit: NASA

+ Survivor Extreme: Learn how humans use fitness fundamentals before, during and after flight to survive the extreme conditions of deep space.

+ Back to Basics: Learn the mechanics of space exercise. Discover how the crew onboard the Station gets physical, combining key fitness elements of cardiovascular and weight training. Learn how they maintain fitness using only three basic exercise equipment devices, while orbiting in space.

+ Mini Muscles: Discover how the absence of gravity shrinks muscle size and strength and what astronauts do to combat muscle atrophy while in space. Strategies that keep astronauts strong in space may help older or bedridden people whose muscles have become weakened from disease or lack of use.

+ Banishing Brittle Bones: See what space docs say about bone loss in space and how their findings could help counter osteoporosis, a major health concern on Earth, for good.

+ Space Studies for Health Solutions: Find out what space studies are revealing now on the effects of microgravity on the human body. Space research may one day lead to preventative measures for a number of illnesses like kidney stones, heart failure, stress, cancer, and even diabetes.

+ Rocket Science for You: Learn about dozens of space-age technologies now used in athletic wear, workout and physical therapy equipment that benefit you, improving health and fitness on Earth.

+ Diet Right with Space Food: Maintaining good nutrition is essential to astronaut fitness and health. Explore astronaut diet secrets in space -- learn how they maintain a healthy menu, avoid vitamin loss during meal preparation, count calories and ensure food safety.

Media seeking more information on fitness for space or to schedule an interview, please contact the Communications and Media Outreach team, NASA Public Affairs, Johnson Space Center, 281-483-5111.