Lifting in Space

[mariawolters]

In order to make himself fit for a whole year in space, Cmdr Hatfield lifts weights 2-3 times a week, focusing on big compound exercises.

And in space?

To model the resistance of free weights, NASA developed a machine—the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, or ARED—that requires an astronaut to pull levers against the suction of a vacuum chamber.

Astronauts are strapped with elastic cords onto a treadmill or a stationary bicycle so they won't float away. The treadmill and cycle have stabilizing gyroscopes and are suspended on wires in the station so vibrations from Cmdr. Hadfield's workout don't cause the space station to rock and shake, potentially upsetting the science experiments on board.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...129925676.html

(Health warning: the article doesn't read as if the journalist had a good grasp of strength training.)

It would be interesting to see Hatfields programme. Some interesting observations on the fitness demands that working on the Space Station makes.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I would too, since this is a problem I've been working on for many years.

[gape]

A recent post on the All Things Gym website:
http://www.allthingsgym.com/2012/11/squats-in-space/

[bluecheese]

I would too, since this is a problem I've been working on for many years.

I'd be interested to see what you came up with.

[Mark Rippetoe]

The Squats-in-Space nonsense is a useless waste of money and time, and will not work. Keep in mind what we know about skeletal loading and its effects on bone density. What if we assemble a device that mimics the effects of the squat when first taken out of the rack? It could consist of an alloy plate for the feet, and alloy bar for the back, and two cables that connect the two, that could be adjusted so that when the feet are placed on the plate and the bar on the back and the knees and hips extended -- like unracking a heavy squat -- the entire body from the bar down is in compression. Arms could be loaded in compression by mimicking the bench press position. The cervical spine could be loaded by extending the compression up the neck to a head harness. The whole ROM could be worked isometrically, thus preserving strength and bone density. I know how to make this device, and it would be very light and take up very little room when disassembled.

[bluecheese]

This may be a retarded question, but what if you used this device to mimic the top of the press? Would the load not still compress the body, plus work the arms. Also, how would you program the space squat you described? Load the body for time?

[Mark Rippetoe]

The lockout position of the press is hard to maintain for any great length of time.

[J.T.]

In space, no one can hear you squat.

[Calvo]

What about something with band tension? Floor plate, bar, bands. You could do concentric movements as well as holds for time at the top.

[Robert Callahan]

On a slightly different note; Rip I know you love Star Trek, have you seen this website: http://www.buildtheenterprise.org/

They have a facebook page also, and aside from being an awesome concept regularly posts interesting science articles.