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Peloton instructor Robin Arzón has launched a special 20-minute fitness class featuring astronaut Jessica Meir broadcasting directly from the International Space Station. The workout is currently available to watch for free on the Peloton app and Peloton’s official YouTube channel.
A Unique View From Space
The workout begins with Arzón introducing Meir, who gives riders a look at planet Earth from the space station’s cupola, a domed observatory frequently used by astronauts for photography. During the session, Meir describes the planetary view as magical and notes that it never loses its appeal.
Meir participates in the session using a specialized exercise bike called the Flight Ergometer, or FERGO. The device resembles a minimalist, high-tech unicycle mechanism with no seat or handlebars and is anchored directly to a wall. Because microgravity would otherwise push an astronaut backward toward the ceiling when pedaling, Meir utilizes a wide waist belt secured to rigid side struts and places her cycling shoes into specialized strapped pedals.
As reported by CNET, Meir previously discussed cardiovascular health and isolation during a 2020 stint on the space station amid COVID-19 lockdowns. During that mission, she and fellow astronaut Drew Morgan showcased an earlier bike model called the CERVIS, along with a T2 treadmill that uses bungees and a harness to counter near-weightlessness.
Life and Exercise Aboard the ISS
Meir addresses common questions regarding fitness and life in orbit, highlighting the critical role of strength training for astronauts. She explains that loading muscles and bones is essential to prevent significant losses in muscle mass and bone density caused by the leeching of calcium in microgravity.
According to Meir, astronauts dedicate 2.5 hours every day to physical exercise. Much of this time is spent on the advanced resistance exercise device, known as ARED, which can handle up to 600 pounds for exercises including deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and sit-ups.
The session also features lighter moments, such as Meir creating a floating water blob from her pouch and catching it in her mouth, much to the delight of Arzón. Meir additionally discusses the station’s space toilet system and its capability to recycle up to 98% of water, joking that astronauts drink water processed from urine, famously summarizing it as “from toilet to tap.”
An Inspirational Experience
CNET Senior Editor Laura Michelle Davis described the session as both educational and inspirational, praising its ability to deliver information on microgravity and weightlifting while livestreaming a conversation from hundreds of miles above Earth into a New York City studio.
Physical workouts are a longstanding tradition for astronauts in orbit. Sunita Williams notably became the first astronaut to run a marathon in space by syncing with the 2007 Boston Marathon and finishing in 4 hours and 24 minutes, while Tim Peake followed in 2016 by completing the London Marathon in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Davis noted that the Peloton session offered individuals on Earth an opportunity to exercise while gaining insight into adaptation and daily life in space. The class remains accessible for viewers to stream through digital platforms.
