While in orbit, it is extremely important for the Shuttle crew members to get at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. This is because the microgravity environment of space affects the human body in many different ways.

A special exercise ergometer is stowed on the mid-deck. The astronauts fix it to the floor or wall and then attach themselves to it with a harness and bungee cords. They adjust the tension, then pedal in place. The more the tension of the bungee cords, the more difficult the exercise.