What kind of exercise would best prepare an astronaut for space?
What workouts are required before going into space? Space fitness is most important for the health and efficiency of the human body in space. The physical thrusts themselves caused by the muscles and bones gradually start weak if not more used in zero gravity, given that astronauts need to work out very well before going up into space. Further, such workouts prepare them in increasing their strength, stamina, and flexibility so as to work there for an extended duration without any hassle.
Most of us think about this question that what type of workouts astronauts must perform prior to going to space? If you too want to know the answer to this question, then you are at the right place. Here we have discussed what type of workouts astronauts perform prior to going to space and why they need them for their health. It is also mentioned here that these can enable astronauts to work for a long period without any health issues.
Astronauts perform this exercise prior to entering space
- Cardio Exercise:
The heart and lungs must be kept strong so they may function well in space. Therefore, astronauts do cardio such as the treadmill, bike, or rowing. Such exercises build endurance and strengthen cardiovascular health, allowing for more optimal breathing while in space and less fatigue, all in vain.
- Weight training:
Since muscles start losing mass in zero gravity, they make sure to lift weights before the mission. They do deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and dumbbell training to help keep their muscles strong.This exercise minimizes the loss of bones and muscles in space.
- Core strengthening exercises
It is not simple to keep balance and control the body in space. Thus, core strengthening exercises are extremely significant. Planks, sit-ups, and medicine ball exercises strengthen the abdominal and back muscles of the astronauts so that they are able to move in zero gravity without any inconvenience.
- Flexibility and stretching:
Keeping the body flexible in space is crucial, considering that motion in space is different from that on Earth. Yoga, Pilates, and dynamic stretching exercises improve the overall flexibility of the body allowing for working in any position while at the same time reducing the risks of injury.
- Balance and coordination training:
It is hard to control the body in space as there is no gravity. Hence, astronauts are provided with balance and coordination exercises. Balance boards, stability balls, and jump exercises make their body control better so that they learn to adapt there easily.
- High-intensity interval training:
Additionally, the astronauts are introduced to HIIT exercises before the mission, where activities of high intensity must be done in limited time. This exercises increases their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance in doing their chores for several hours even under unfavorable conditions.
- Space-like condition workout:
There are exercises conducted in the condition of zero gravity so that the astronauts don’t encounter so much trouble while the actual mission. They’re conditioned to survive in space with the help of underwater training, suspension training, and zero-gravity simulator training.
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