Anil Menon shows how astronauts fight muscle and bone loss in space

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has revealed the physical challenges of living in space, sharing a workout video from the International Space Station (ISS). The astronaut underscores the importance of daily exercise to maintain astronauts' health, stating, “Exercise on station takes focus, determination, and grit.” Without exercise, astronauts can lose 3% of their bone mass per month, 10-15% of their muscle mass and body weight, and experience a decline of more than 10% in VO2 max, a measure of the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise.

These consequences arise because the human body no longer works against gravity in microgravity, leading to bone loss, muscle atrophy, and reduced cardiovascular fitness. To counter these effects, astronauts engage in specialised resistance training and cardiovascular workouts using equipment designed for use in microgravity. Military personnel and endurance athletes, such as Navy Captain Jack Hathaway and American endurance athlete David Goggins, have played crucial roles in motivating Menon to push his fitness limits.

Maintaining fitness in space is vital not only for athletic performance but also for carrying out demanding tasks during missions and readjusting to Earth's gravity upon return. As space agencies plan longer missions, such as trips to the Moon and Mars, ensuring astronauts' physical health through regular exercise will remain a critical aspect of space exploration.