Astronauts get sky gym workout

Escaping the effects of the Earth's gravity and floating around in space may sound exciting, but a constant state of near weightlessness can result in a number of health problems.

That's why the astronauts aboard the Tiangong II space lab work out for two hours every day. The onboard sports apparatus - an exercise bike and a treadmill - were specially designed to help astronauts exercise their lower limbs and cardiopulmonary systems.

"The biggest difference between the apparatus used in space and those we use in the gym was related to weight," said Qin Younian, chief engineer of the Shanxi Orient Fitness & Health Industry Co, which designed and produced the equipment.