NASA Astronauts share expertise for lockdown workouts

Astronauts are very much used to isolation in space and are well aware of the importance of exercise. Their insights and experience provide great motivation to those living in temporary isolation on Earth.

NASA Astronauts have shared their tips on how to embrace exercise for health and wellbeing…

  1. Get into an exercise routine

Exercise is essential for both physical and mental strength. Keeping to a schedule and getting daily exercise makes a real difference. Scott Kelly, veteran of a year in space,  advised people to find ways to move at least once a day as part of their quarantine schedule –  ‘just stay at least six feet away from others’.

Regular exercise is key to fighting depression or anxiety. It promotes brain activity and makes your body produce important ‘feelgood’’ hormones.

2. Get creative

‘You may need to get a little bit creative to get that heart rate elevated at home without heading to the gym, but we are confident you can come up with something.’ said NASA’s Jessica Meir.

In space, astronauts use treadmills with bungee cords and a stationary bike without a seat or handlebars, as well as a vacuum system similar to free weights to allow for the anti-gravity conditions.

Investing in a home treadmill is a good idea, as is creating a private home gym that can be used anytime.

 3. Go outside

On the International Space Station - 250 miles above the Earth - astronauts would play recordings of Earth sounds on a loop, such as birds and trees. 'I actually started to crave nature - the color green, the smell of fresh dirt, and the feel of warm sun on my face.' said NASA astronaut Scott Kelly to the New York Times. He was growing experimental flowers in space and found that this became a very important and meaningful part of his day. 

Back on Earth we’re fortunate to be able to go outside for walks and runs, while following safety precautions. For an astronaut, going outside for spacewalks to undertake specific tasks  is a dangerous endeavour requiring days of prior preparation. ‘I now really appreciate the ability to step outside any time I want for a walk or a hike — no spacesuit needed!’ added Kelly.

Although we may be confined to our homes or neighbourhoods these days, we should appreciate that we are still able to go outside for regular walks, runs and can get more creative with our daily workouts.

 Further reading…

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/opinion/scott-kelly-coronavirus-isolation.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTrVMgst05c

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8186263/NASA-astronauts-share-workouts-ISS-help-isolation-amid-coronavirus.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gsg_XPuaoQ&feature=emb_logo

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