12. Tim Peake: Fitness in space

The Joe Wicks Podcast

Joe Wicks wants to know: What’s the one thing that makes life better?

Joe loves finding ways to boost his mental and physical health, so he’s asking some of his inspiring mates about their secret to physical and mental happiness. Whether it’s a high-intensity cycle, a freezing cold shower or a good long dog-walk, every guest will share the one thing that works for them.

Tim Peake has the coolest job on earth. Or rather, NOT on earth. He's an astronaut!

In 2009 he applied to the European Space Agency, and beat over eight thousand other applicants to get the job. But that was just the start. Six years of training later, Tim blasted off to the International Space Station, only the second ever Brit in space and the first to do a spacewalk. In an out-of-this-world chat, Joe and Tim talk about what it feels like to look down on our beautiful home from the darkness of space, and Tim shares his secrets to staying fit in zero gravity.

They also chat about Tim's life before space, which was just as big an adventure! He spent 19 years as a helicopter pilot for the army, flying reconnaissance missions all over the world, and test-flying Apache helicopters. He says the pure joy of flying never left him, and now back on earth he's keen to get back in the cockpit.

And they talk about the biggest challenge of all: parenthood!

Summer holiday’s been postponed and you’re feeling down? Forget about it. This is sunshine in a podcast. Joe Wicks is here for you, and he won’t stop until you’re fit and happy.

Producer: Emily Knight Editor: Dimitri Houtart A BBC Audio Bristol production for Radio 4