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Jessica Meir’s Zero-Gravity Strength Routine Aboard the ISS

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir uses the ARED machine on the ISS to combat muscle and bone loss in space.

2026-03-17T17:48:07.276Z

Jessica Meir’s Zero-Gravity Strength Routine Aboard the ISS

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is on her second mission aboard the International Space Station, where she works out daily to preserve muscle mass and bone density in zero gravity.

“Astronauts can lose up to 15% of muscle mass and 1.7-2.5% of bone density per month in space,” experts note-losses especially severe in the lower body.

Meir relies on the Advanced Resistance Exercise Device (ARED), a NASA-engineered system that uses vacuum cylinders and flywheels to simulate free weights. “Squats, deadlifts, bench press-you name it, you can do it here,” she says.

After her session, Meir floats to a window for a view of Earth’s city lights-a post-workout ritual few can match.

Topics Jessica Meir NASA International Space Station ARED bone density muscle mass