Spinoff story
The Best Workout on Earth, and in Space
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
SpiraFlexR is a revolutionary new patented technology for storing and delivering mechanical power in industrial, consumer, and fitness equipment. NASA research facilities and funding helped to develop the Resistance Exercise Device" (RED) powered by SpiraFlex. SpiraFlex duplicates the benefits of free-weights in a lightweight portable and safe system. The RED system is presently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and is used by the crewmembers as a primary countermeasure against musculoskeletal degradation caused by microgravity. Using SpiraFlex technology Schwinn Cycling & Fitness Inc. of Boulder Colorado launched an international fitness program for health clubs and select retail distributors called RiPPT (Resistance Performance Program). RiPP is an exercise program that uses RiPP Pro machines powered by SpiraFlex technology."