The Space Cycle is an exercise machine for astronauts. It's essentially a human-powered centrifuge. As one person pedals, the rotation generates artificial gravity conditions for the other person who can do exercises like squats with the same kind of muscle responses they would experience on Earth. From the National Space Biomedical Research Institute:
"Even with onboard exercise, astronauts face the risk of losing muscle mass and function because their muscles are not bearing enough weight, or load," said Dr. Vincent J. Caiozzo, investigator on NSBRI's Muscle Alterations and Atrophy Team. "For exploration, it is important to find ways to increase load-bearing activity so astronauts can maintain strength…"With long-term initiatives like the International Space Station and the proposed lunar and Mars missions, the rate of muscle loss in some areas might rise to 25 percent unless measures are taken to confront atrophy. The loss of muscle strength during an extended mission could pose dramatic problems in the event of an emergency situation upon landing.
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