Ever wonder what fighter pilots and astronauts can teach you about your morning jog or your latest attempt at a 10-minute plank? Surprisingly, a lot. Aerospace physiology, the science of how the human body adapts to the extreme conditions of flight and space, offers some incredible insights into how we can live healthier, fitter, and more resilient lives here on Earth. Spoiler alert: you don’t need to endure G-forces or zero gravity to reap these benefits.

Here are a few lessons, served with a side of humor, that might make your fitness journey a little more… uplifting.

1. Breathe Like a Pilot

Pilots have a special breathing technique to survive high G-forces—it’s called the Anti-G Straining Maneuver. It’s essentially a fancy way of saying: “Breathe deeply, tighten your core, and try not to pass out.” Turns out, deep breathing isn’t just for staying conscious in a fighter jet.

For us mere mortals, controlled breathing can help during workouts, yoga, or even surviving your kid’s math homework.

Try this: during your next run or set of squats, focus on deep inhales and forceful exhales.

Bonus: you’ll look very serious, like you’re about to take off in an F-16.

2. Adaptability is the Name of the Game

Astronauts deal with muscle and bone loss in space because there’s no gravity pulling on their bodies. To combat this, they follow strict exercise routines to stay strong. Lesson for us Earthlings? Adapt to your environment.

Whether it’s working out in your tiny apartment or using soup cans as weights, the key is consistency. No gym? No problem. Just channel your inner astronaut and embrace creative solutions.

And remember: astronauts bounce back from months of microgravity. You can definitely handle a few weeks of at-home workouts.

3. Hydration Isn’t Optional

In aerospace physiology, hydration is critical. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and even cognitive decline—a pilot’s worst nightmare. Now, while you’re not flying a jet at Mach 2, staying hydrated is equally important for peak performance in your daily life.

And no, coffee doesn’t count as hydration (unfortunately). Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.

Pro tip: If you’re reaching astronaut levels of thirst, it’s already too late. Hydrate like your fitness depends on it—because it does.

4. Recovery is Part of the Mission

Pilots and astronauts undergo intense physical stress, but recovery is a crucial part of their regimen. Stretching, light exercise, and proper rest aren’t just recommendations—they’re mission-critical.

In your fitness journey, don’t skimp on recovery. Rest days, foam rolling, or even just lying flat on the floor contemplating life (we’ve all been there) are just as important as the workout itself.

Think of it as your personal debriefing session: you can’t fly every day without a little maintenance.

5. Mind Over Gravity

Aerospace physiology doesn’t just train the body—it trains the mind. Pilots endure simulations designed to test their focus, composure, and problem-solving under stress. Why? Because even the fittest body is useless without a strong mind to guide it.

In fitness, your biggest battles often aren’t with weights or distances—they’re with your own doubts. Next time you’re ready to quit a workout, channel your inner fighter pilot and push through. Or at least tell yourself, “If they can land a plane with one engine, I can finish this spin class.”

6. Laugh at the Gravity of It All

One thing astronauts and pilots are great at? Keeping a sense of humor in high-pressure situations. Fitness can feel like a grind, but finding the fun (or at least laughing at your flailing burpees) can make it infinitely better.

Remember, no one gets it perfect every time. Even astronauts have bloopers. Your journey might not always be smooth, but it can always be entertaining.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be an astronaut to train like one—or live like one. Aerospace physiology reminds us that the human body is an incredible machine, capable of adapting to challenges with the right mix of discipline, creativity, and care.

So, breathe deeply, hydrate often, and recover like your life depends on it. Oh, and if anyone asks why you’re doing planks in your living room while sipping water like it’s jet fuel, just tell them: “It’s classified.”

Stay fit. Stay human. And, above all, stay grounded—literally and figuratively.