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Would DRAGON BALL Z’s Gravity Training Kill You?

You want to know who trains harder than the heroes of Dragon Ball Z? No one, that’s who. They spend whole episodes charging up their strength, and nearly whole seasons using devices like the time-bending Hyperbolic Time Chamber. One training method stands out above them all, and it’s the one you’ve been asking me to check out since Because Science began: training in increased gravity.

In my latest Because Science, I’m trying to figure out two things. First, could we make a machine or apparatus that increases gravity for the people inside? We have a pretty firm grasp on how to defeat gravity—we punch it in the face every time we launch a rocket. But gravity manipulation is another thing entirely.

Second, could you train in increased gravity without dying? Many intrepid test subjects, fighter pilots, and astronauts have experienced substantially increased gravity, but none have trained under a sustained G-load like Goku or Vegeta. What would really happen if you were trying to get stronger in order to fight an android that ate other androids with its butt?

It turns out that the answer to one of these questions is a resounding “totally!”, and the other is “maybe, but only to a point.” You’ll have to watch the latest episode above to find out.


Check out my last video on if the Flash can run fast enough to launch a rocket, subscribe to this playlist to stay current with the show, buy a Because Science shirt (you know why), and follow me on Twitter to give me a suggestion for the next episode!

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