Sunita Williams' space station workout routine will surprise you. What time she wakes up

Sunita Williams stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for eight months, have shed light on the importance of daily exercise while in space. In a press conference, astronauts Sunita and Butch Wilmore told BBC, how essential their physical routines are to maintain bone density and overall health.

The pair has been on the ISS since June, originally set for an eight-day mission, but NASA extended their stay due to issues with their Boeing Starliner re-entry vehicle. As the astronauts await their return, which is now scheduled for 2025, they continue to prioritize fitness to mitigate the physical challenges of living in zero gravity.

Exercise Routines to Combat Bone Density Loss

Living in space comes with unique challenges, including the loss of bone density due to the lack of gravity. To counteract this, both astronauts have incorporated more than two hours of daily exercise into their schedules. Wilmore starts his day at 4:30 a.m., while Sunita begins at 6:30 a.m., each dedicating two hours or more to maintain their physical health. Her daily workout routine includes cardiovascular exercises, running on a treadmill, and strength training.

Wilmore noted, “Your joints don’t hurt in space, which is quite nice.”

These workouts, which are vital for combating the muscle and bone deterioration that comes with prolonged exposure to space, are just one of the many adjustments astronauts must make while living in microgravity.

Despite being stranded for months, both Williams and Wilmore remain in good spirits. In a press conference, they shared that although it was hard to see their malfunctioning Starliner capsule return to Earth without them, they are well-prepared for unexpected challenges. "We were watching our spaceship fly away," Sunita said, referring to the emotional moment when the Boeing Starliner departed the ISS. However, Wilmore expressed confidence in their training, stating that 90% of it was focused on "preparing for the unexpected."

Staying on the ISS Until 2025

The two astronauts were originally supposed to return to Earth after their short mission, but problems with the Boeing Starliner's thrusters and a helium leak led NASA to keep them aboard the ISS for an extended period. NASA has now scheduled their return aboard a spacecraft from SpaceX, Boeing's rival in the commercial space travel industry.

When asked if they felt disappointed by NASA, Wilmore responded, "Absolutely not." Instead, they expressed gratitude for the messages and prayers sent by well-wishers on Earth. "The concern for us specifically is very heart-warming," Wilmore added.

"This is my happy place," Sunita shared, though she confessed to missing her family and her two dogs.

Sunita also shared that being in space has given her a different perspective on Earth. "It opens up the door to making you think a bit differently. It's the one planet we have, and we should be taking care of it," she said, adding that the overwhelming support from people on Earth has made her feel more connected. “There are so many people on Earth sending us messages it makes you feel right at home with everybody.”

Both astronauts have applied for postal ballots so they can participate in the upcoming U.S. election from space, showcasing their commitment to civic duties even while in orbit.

While they await their eventual return, Wilmore emphasized their readiness for the long haul, stating they would be willing to stay "eight months, nine months, 10 months" if necessary.