Astronauts stay fit in space through daily exercise on a cycle ergometer or treadmill.This cycle ergometer flew on a number of Space Shuttle missions. The boxy part is the computer to which the pedals and frame are attached; it calculates and records the amount of stress on the muscles as the astronaut pedals. It is used to exercise the legs, arms and general cardiovascular system. Regular exercise is required to offset some of the body's physical changes and weakening in space. NASA transferred this device to the Museum after the Space Shuttle program ended in 2012.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.