Exercise good for brain as well as body

Exercise is the best way to improve brain health, says Dr. John Ratey, author of "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain." Go one step further and challenge your noggin to learn something new while you sweat. Here are three ways:

Study a language

Pop in a DVD and enjoy Mexico's beautiful scenery as locals teach you Spanish during your home cardio machine workout. ($49 for a set of 12; connect18.com)

Take a college course

Pick a passion, from science to philosophy, and sign up for a downloadable audio course taught by professors from top institutions. ($20 to $400; teach12.com)

"Read" a classic

Finally tackle "Madame Bovary" or "Crime and Punishment" on your MP3 player, that is. There's no extra credit, except for the intellectual boost that comes with great literature. ($5 to $120; learnoutloud.com)