Work out in space with NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins on Google  Hangout
Work out in space with NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins on Google Hangout NASA

Looking to get fit but bored with your usual fitness regime? Then you might want to check out a workout that's literally out of this world.

Nasa astronauts Mike Hopkins and Rick Mastracchio will be working out live from space and sharing fitness tips on a special #TrainLikeMike Google+ Hangout event on Thursday 6 February at 5:15pm GMT.

Astronauts on the International Space Station have to work out for at least two hours a day in order to minimise bone and muscle loss, which is a side effect of spending an extended amount of time in a weightless environment.

There are three types of equipment available for the astronauts to use – a treadmill, a stationary exercise bicycle and the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), a special machine on the space station that bears a passing resemblance to a weight lifting machine.

Hopkins, a lifelong fitness enthusiast who was once captain for his university football team, has already filmed one video where he attempts a challenging workout that features 100 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups and 100 air squats, using the ARED.

Together with some fitness experts based on earth including a professional American football player and an Olympic athlete, the astronauts will answer questions posted by viewers on Twitter and Google+ before and during the Hangout using the #askNASA hashtag.

You can also check out other workouts and fitness tips on the Train Like An Astronaut Facebook page.