Staying fit when you're galaxies away hinges on keeping your entire body in top form. So when researchers at the NASA-funded National Space Biomedical Research Institute sought a fitness regimen that would build astronauts' bone and muscle strength and promote healthy blood flow, they quickly realized that rowing would provide the best solution.
It's a great way to exercise the entire body and stay heart-healthy. In fact, it might just be the best exercise in the universe.
"We choose indoor rowing for several reasons," said head researcher Dr. Benjamin Levine. "It uses a large muscle mass, and it is nonimpact so there are low chances for injury. Because of the unique cardiovascular stresses of the combined static and dynamic work, rowers have the largest hearts of any other competitive athlete."
But indoor rowing isn't just for space travelers. People of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the full-body workout-and burn 300 calories in just 20 minutes!
"Indoor rowing machines challenge you at every level, yet the low-impact nature of the workout makes rowing accessible for people of all ages and abilities," said Concept2 co-founder Peter Dreissigacker.
To simulate the astronauts' workout, start with a "base-training session" by rowing at a moderate pace (you should be able to hold a conversation during this stage).
For more of a challenge, increase your pace. Astronauts call this "threshold training" because it requires maximum sustainable effort.
End your workout with a real push, rowing hard for one to three minutes for "interval training" and capping off with a "recovery session"-rowing one final long distance at a lower intensity.
After that you'll feel fit enough to travel to the moon and back.
Wendy Mitchell
Author Bio
Concept2 offers two indoor rowers-the Model D and the Model E -through its Web site, www.con cept2.com. The company's rowers can also be found at most health clubs.Rowing may be the best exercise in the universe-whether you're rowing in your home or traveling through outer space.
