Space Station fitness.

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet gives a guided tour of the International Space Station’s exercise machines. Staying fit is important on Earth but even more so in space as bones and muscle are used less in microgravity and tend to waste away. Astronauts spend around two hours every day doing fitness routines. The Space Station has three types of exercise machines: a treadmill (T2), an exercise bicycle (CEVIS) and a weight-lifting machine (ARED). Thomas is spending six months on the International Space Station as part of his Proxima mission. During Proxima, Thomas will perform around 50 scientific experiments for ESA and France’s space agency CNES as well as take part in many research activities for the other Station partners. The mission is part of ESA’s vision to use Earth-orbiting spacecraft as a place to live and work for the benefit of European society while using the experience to prepare for future voyages of exploration further into the Solar System.