NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has recently addressed speculations surrounding her health condition while on the International Space Station (ISS), discarding recent claims made by media outlets regarding her wellbeing. In response to reports that suggested she appeared “gaunt” due to an extended stay on the ISS, Williams clarified her status during a video interview on November 12, explaining that her weight has remained unchanged since her arrival in orbit.

Routine Exercise and Physical Adaptations

Williams, who commands Expedition 72 aboard the ISS, responded to health concerns publicly, indicating that any changes in her physical appearance are the result of rigorous exercise routines rather than health deterioration. Like all astronauts on extended missions, she has been following an intense workout regimen designed to counteract the muscle and bone density loss commonly associated with prolonged microgravity exposure. Williams stated that her routine includes running on a treadmill, riding an exercise bike and lifting weights. It is a form of exercise that has led to increased muscle mass, particularly in her thighs and glutes, while her overall weight remains consistent.

NASA’s Statement on Crew Health

NASA had previously denied the reports, emphasising that Williams and her fellow crew members, including NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, are in good health. Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the ISS on June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, were initially scheduled for a ten-day mission under the Crew Flight Test programme. Technical issues with Starliner’s thrusters led NASA to extend their stay on the ISS until early 2025, when they are expected to return with SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission astronauts.

Current ISS Crew Status

The current ISS team, led by Williams, includes three NASA astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts, all working collaboratively despite recent media scrutiny. Williams assured viewers that her health and morale remain robust as the crew carries out essential research and maintenance tasks on the orbiting laboratory showing NASA’s confidence in their well-being during extended missions.

Update 11/6/24: Though this is our first iteration of such a list for the 2024 Black Friday season, we’re already quite happy with it. Apple showed up with an affordable Apple Watch (which has fitness tracking that, though on the simpler side, we actually like better than some of its more complex siblings) and the Peloton Guide is $100 off. Plus, we were able to find smart tracking in stationary scale format for just $23, an entry-level price anybody can afford. This is a great start and we’re excited to see what is to come…

Despite lingering stereotypes, the tech space and fitness space are quite closely related. And so, for this Black Friday season, we know you may be interested in some great fitness gear. Luckily, while Black Friday officially starts on November 29, you can go ahead and get started on your fitness resolutions way early with early Black Friday deals. That means that if the early Black Friday headphones deal you picked up happens to be a good pair of running headphones, now is a fantastic time to pick up an exercise bike or treadmill. Alternatively, now is also a great time to pick up an excellent fitness tracker with early Black Friday smartwatch deals. No matter what your goals, however, the following deals are ripe and ready now, not in a few weeks, so there is no reason to delay your plans.

Renpho Smart Scale — $23 $29 21% off

Considered to be one of the best smart scales for its its ability to track so many metrics (including weight, body fat, BMI, bone mass, muscles mass, and eight others) at an affordable price, the Renpho Smart Scale is down an extra $6 right now. This is a smart scale that will help you track your metrics, no matter what your goals are in the gym.

Peloton Guide — $95 $195 51% off

The Peloton Guide gives you the Peloton routine with AI-powered personal training. It gives you a webcam view that tracks your reps and progress alongside over 500 classes that work with its movement tracker. Get it while it is $100 off.

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) — $189 $249 24% off

One of the most affordable of early Black Friday Apple Watch deals, the humble SE 2 gets the job done without breaking the bank. In fact, our Apple Watch SE 2 review remarks that this is “probably all the Apple Watch you need” and praises its simplicity as a bonus, not a malus.

Echelon Smart Connect EX-5S-22 — $1,049 $1,500 30% off

This is considered to be one of the best Peloton alternatives for its premium feel, guided workouts, and excellent guide screen. Compare it at just $1,049 to the at $2,495 to see the savings.

NordicTrack Smart Rower — $1,750 $1,999 12% off

The NordicTrack Smart Rower has a large screen, inertia-enhanced flywheel for smooth movements, and the option to use Bluetooth headphones or listen to the workout programming via its built-in speakers. Great for those that want to row but have no lakes.

How to choose fitness products on Black Friday

Depending on what your fitness goals are, there are several different types of fitness products you might want.

If you’re just looking to track your overall fitness, you’ll want one of the best fitness trackers (which is often just a smart watch). You can see our guide to fitness tracker accuracy for a better understanding of what you’re getting when you get one of these devices. Remember that a fitness tracker is just one part of monitoring your overall physique and health.

Then, if you’re looking to use your fitness budget on a machine, you might consider one of many popular products that come with a screen and guided workouts. Though they usually require a subscription, many people find these guides motivating and reassuring as they begin their fitness journey with the new equipment.

How we chose these fitness products for Black Friday

The most important thing for us was to deliver you a combination of fitness trackers and exercise products that could fit all of your needs. And, of course, doing so while finding great prices.

We combed through fitness trackers, exercise bikes and other such machines, and other related fitness products to find something that you could confidently use.

Since this is Digital Trends, we also looked for products — when possible — that fit the somewhat digital lifestyle you are likely to have. Little things like being able to connect to your exercise bike via your workout earbuds or headphones was a big boon, for example. In short, this is a curated list for you, our readers.

The four-week-long pilot program in November is a continuation of Fitness World’s Active Community Initiative, bringing accessible fitness opportunities to local underserved communities.

VANCOUVER, Canada, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fitness World Canada and Turning Point Recovery Society have partnered to provide a month-long series of free exercise classes for individuals recovering from addiction. Starting November 5th, residents of Turning Point Recovery’s Vancouver location can participate in four weekly fitness classes hosted at the Fitness World Cambie club, creating a supportive space to boost physical and mental health as a part of their journey to recovery.

Regular and safe exercise plays a vital role in supporting addiction recovery. Studies show physical movement can effectively increase abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs. This is because fitness has been proven to ease withdrawal and depression symptoms, which are often one of the leading challenges that hinder a full recovery from substance addictions. Incorporating regular fitness into addiction recovery programs offers a holistic approach that enhances both physical and mental well-being, effectively supporting individuals in their journey toward sobriety.

Each 45-minute class features a circuit-style workout that includes a range of adaptable exercises suitable for all the varying fitness levels within the group. The sessions, held in a private, dedicated space, offer participants access to specialized equipment and facilities typically unavailable to them. This setting provides a safe, judgment-free environment, where they can experience the physical and emotional rewards of exercise.

“Turning Point Recovery Society is very happy to have partnered with Fitness World to provide free exercise classes for the residents at our Vancouver location,” said Rune Mikkelsen, Director of Operations with Turning Point Recovery Society. “Exercise aligns with the counselling and group work we facilitate in-house, creating a holistic approach to our recovery programs.”

This partnership marks the third community organization that Fitness World has collaborated with in 2024 to grow its Active Community Initiative- a program dedicated to creating accessible fitness opportunities within marginalized groups. By partnering with local community leaders, including Retirement Concepts and Covenant House Vancouver, Fitness World has successfully delivered exercise programs for vulnerable youth and elderly who face significant barriers to regular physical movement.

“Our Active Community Initiative is designed to make fitness accessible to everyone, and we’re proud to help create an empowering space for Vancouver’s recovery community,” said Chris Smith, President and CEO of Fitness World. “This partnership with Turning Point Recovery Society reflects our commitment to meaningful wellness support across BC, and we look forward to helping participants build resilience through physical and mental health.”

Fitness World and Turning Point Recovery’s partnership is grounded in the two organizations’ shared commitment to improving the lives of British Columbians. Both partners are keen to explore a continued collaboration in the future to accelerate the impact of the Active Community Initiative.

About Fitness World Canada:

Fitness World is a high-value, low-cost gym with 16 locations across the Lower Mainland. Committed to helping people reach their fitness goals, Fitness World offers inclusive spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, personalized programs, and numerous amenities starting at just $9.99 bi-weekly. Visit fitnessworld.ca for more information.

About Turning Point Recovery:

At Turning Point, its evidence-based approach to addiction recovery goes beyond abstinence. They understand that recovery involves addressing the underlying causes of addiction, which often stem from mental health challenges, past traumas, and developmental legacies. Recovery is a comprehensive process that requires more than just stopping substance use; it requires healing from the root causes of addiction, which are almost universally linked to unresolved mental health issues and experiences of trauma or childhood adversity. Turning Point helps individuals build a foundation for lasting recovery and personal growth by addressing these underlying factors.

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