Space travel, aging, and exercise

This article about the effects of space travel on human bodies makes an intriguing statement: “Many relate the effects [of space travel] to accelerated aging.”

Key points for the purposes of this blog post:

  • “Weightlessness causes muscles to atrophy and bone mass to decline.”
  • "Even the body’s most important muscle — the heart — loses mass and becomes more spherical."
  • "To combat this deterioration, astronauts have individual medication regimens, which can include drugs commonly used to combat bone density loss and osteoporosis."
  • "They also exercise a couple of hours each day."

This sure sounds like everything I've read about what can happen when we don't manage our aging as well as we should. Like the astronauts, we should consider exercise as a natural part of our lives so we can enjoy a high quality of life.
Nordic walking meetup in Jefferson County on 4/7

Join us on Saturday at 10 AM to find out what Nordic walking is all about! No charge; poles provided. Look for the white Nordic walking sign.
  • When: 10 AM; April 7
  • Where: Wald Park, 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Instructor: Leroy Hurt, ANWA-certified Advanced Nordic Walking instructor

Why Nordic walking?
  • Full body, low impact
  • Increase weight loss
  • Improve cholesterol
  • Improve blood pressure
  • Facilitate rehabilitation
  • Maintain stability and balance
  • Maintain posture
  • Facilitate stress relief
  • Support muscle toning
  • Improve cardiovascular function
  • Improve lung capacity
  • Support immune system
  • Socialize with walking companions
  • You determine the intensity of your workout


Learn more about Nordic walking at my Nordic Walking Guy blog and Nordic Walking Guy Facebook page.


Can't make it to a meetup? Contact me via the blog or Facebook links above, and we'll arrange a small group orientation with you and some friends.
Good reasons to walk

Imagine the benefits when you add poles to the activity.