Astronauts Share Hardcore Fitness Tips With Olympian — From Space

Astronauts can easily lose bone and muscle mass in space because their bodies don't have to do a lot of work to move around in zero gravity, but wasting away above the planet is not an option. On Thursday two astronauts at the International Space Station took part in a Google hangout to show the world that they spend enough time working out to put many Earthlings to shame — a characteristic they share with Olympians.

Back on Earth, experts say we should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a few times a week.

In space, according to astronauts Mike Hopkins and Rick Mastracchio, it's more like 90 to 120 minutes every 24 hours, and that's just so astronauts can maintain their fitness level. The astronauts spent around 20 minutes talking about their workout routines with a panel that included a member of the Houston Texans, a Crossfit champion, a United States bobsled team member preparing for the Sochi Olympics and another astronaut who joined the talk from Earth. Read more...