Fitness gyms everywhere! Joggers everywhere! What do Americans do to work out their brains? (regular, how much)

[Visvaldis]

Fitness gyms everywhere! Joggers everywhere! What do Americans do to work out their brains?
I wonder about this quite often. Some Americans don't care about their physical condition and neglect the brain as well. But some really put in much effort to maintain their body and mind. I'd like to know what they do?
Although many professions require using the brain I am not interested in how much you work your brain at your job. I want to know what you do to work your brain in your spare time only. If it's job related, don't bother to post.

[Rhenzanite]

Well, if you're pretty/attractive/fit, you don't really need a brain in this particular society.

For me, I work my body often (I walk, jog, swim, hike and go horseback riding on a regular basis) and work my brain as often, if not more often. I read literature AND fiction, listen to public radio (staying current with events is important to me), read newspapers, do word puzzles and help my boyfriend build RC aircraft which includes fairly complex math.

[nickeldude]

sudoku.

[subsound]

I get a good workout at work, especially problem solving and mathematical computations. At home I supplement it with reading (all types, some to keep current and some fiction), watching discovery shows, and games. Nobody else really gives a crap about it but my wife, her and I have long and interesting discussions a lot of subjects...otherwise the most I get is questions if a book or movie is any good.

[Cliffie]

I compose brilliant essays for my blogs of course; read books, watch movies and compose brilliant reviews of them for those same blogs; listen to NPR; write letters to friends and articles for publication; keep up on my areas of interest reading still more; design and make shawls, bedspreads and other things. But reading is the biggie.

I'd read in the shower if I could, honestly.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by JetJockey

Well, if you're pretty/attractive/fit, you don't really need a brain in this particular society.

For me, I work my body often (I walk, jog, swim, hike and go horseback riding on a regular basis) and work my brain as often, if not more often. I read literature AND fiction, listen to public radio (staying current with events is important to me), read newspapers, do word puzzles and help my boyfriend build RC aircraft which includes fairly complex math.

How true! Good observation about the appearances. I'm glad to hear that some still read newspapers.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I hardly consider reading newspapers to be "exercising the mind". I workout two to three times per day and try to take care of my body and health as much as possible.

Some of what I do for my brain/mind is:

Meditation
I read and study Eastern Philosophy - Mo Tzu, Taoism, Ch'an/Zen, Confucianism(naturalistic, idealistic, humanism,etc.), Chuang Tzu, T'ien-t-ai philosophy, etc.
As a martial artist, I also study the old warrior codes of feudal japan like Bushido and other schools of thought as it relates to warrior codes of conduct and character, honor, virtues and combat.

I dont post much about it here on CD because most people wouldnt "get it". They mistakenly think I am all about working out and not being fat.

[Jude1948]

I play Mah-jongg which was very mind stimulating today since we got the new card for this year. Also read about three novels a month. Crossword puzzles. And listen to talk radio to hear what everyone is talking about.

Another mind stimulating activity is not listening to anything........When I garden, I am constantly thinking. Somtimes I vent my frustrations with a weed wacker, and sometimes I create poems or songs.

A great key is NOT to be connected to a computer, IPod, cell phone, or texting your BFF. Your BFF is YOU. Get to know yourself!!

[Visvaldis]

Thanks to everyone who posted so far.
Before starting this thread I had the suspicion that it would not be interesting for most. I guess I'm right.

[stan4]

Read. Word games. Debate with friends and family (this is my favorite). Debate on CDF. Lol...