The best 68 Sports books

Savor (2010) provides advice and inspiration on how to find inner peace, joy and strength – especially for those trying to sustainably lose weight – with Buddhist teachings and techniques for appreciating the richness of life in the present moment. It also draws on the latest nutritional science research on the best ways to eat and exercise, presenting readers with a holistic method for improving their physical, psychological and spiritual well-being, and thereby transforming their lives.

The Rise of Superman examines the top performers in extreme sports in order to gain insight into how they use flow, i.e., the transcendental experience of being in “the zone,” to accomplish their amazing feats and connects the dots between the experience of flow and the neurology behind it.

The Sports Gene takes a look at the physiological traits that are beneficial in various sports, and at their hereditary background. It also examines why people in certain parts of the world have evolved in their particular way, and how this is beneficial in the realm of certain sports.

Beautiful Game Theory (2014) shows us how applicable economics is to our daily lives by looking at the fascinating world of professional soccer. By examining compelling statistics and studies on shoot-outs, referee calls, and ticket sales, Beautiful Game Theory offers some interesting insights into the psychology of behavioral economics.

The Bulletproof Diet (2014) shows you how to hack your body to optimize your health, lose weight and increase your mental functioning. How? Maintain a diet filled with the right proteins and fats, and learn to exercise and sleep in the most effective way possible.

Spartan Up! (2014) is an in-depth guide to living life to its fullest by challenging yourself and being the best person you can be. The “Spartan” way of life draws inspiration from the Spartans of ancient Greece; implement their philosophies in a modern context to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers (1994) vividly explains the biology behind stress and its impact on our lives, functioning as an effective way to deal with immediate problems, while also posing serious health risks in the long run. The author also offers plenty of practical tips on how to keep stress under control.

The Mindful Athlete (2015) explains how to unlock your hidden “superpowers” by practicing mindfulness. When you learn how to channel your own inner divinity, you’ll reach your peak performance – in sports or in any other field.

Will It Make the Boat Go Faster? (2011) shares with you the inspiration and strategies you need to succeed every day, as told through the emotionally charged experiences of a member of the gold medal-winning British rowing team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

In The Professor in the Cage (2015), professor Jonathan Gottschall enters the world of mixed martial arts to discover the sources of our fascination with violence. Through the power of modern science and by applying the weight of human history, these blinks reveal how our love of fighting is grounded in our deepest human instincts.

The Boys in the Boat (2013) tells the story of how a group of unassuming college boys from the University of Washington went from struggling through the Great Depression to securing a victory in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

30 Ways to Reboot Your Body (2015) gives you the keys to repairing and regenerating your body so you can take your health and fitness goals to the next level. These blinks explain the importance of digestive health, light exercise and solid routines. Get ready to have your ideas about diet and exercise challenged.

Anger Management for Dummies (2015) is a guide to dealing with your inner irascibility. These blinks will give you the tools you need to understand and – more importantly – master your anger. You’ll learn methods for dissolving stress, dealing with provocations and even stopping temper tantrums in their tracks.

A Bigger Prize (2014) explains how competition is holding us back. These blinks demonstrate how our competitive schools, economy and society – believed to produce higher grades, lower prices and better results – are actually stifling collaboration and preventing us from realizing our full potential.

Let My People Go Surfing (2005) is an inspiring look at the popular outdoor gear company Patagonia, an organization that has shown the world that there is more than one way to operate a successful business. In these blinks, you’ll not only get to know the company’s history and its unique philosophy, you’ll also find out about why Patagonia has some of the happiest employees around and why people feel so good about buying its products.

Spark (2008) reveals the ways in which exercise improves your health and even your ability to learn, think clearly and cope with stress. These blinks offer real-life examples plus scientific research to explain the innumerable benefits of physical activity and the fundamental connections between body and mind.

Why Diets Make Us Fat (2016) demolishes many popular myths about diets and the relationship between weight and health. These blinks explore the science behind claims that dieting just doesn’t work and offer alternatives for people seeking to shed a few pounds and live more healthily.

Go Wild (2014) provides a timely look at why human beings shouldn’t be sitting in front of a computer all day. Evolution did not craft our bodies and minds for today’s sedentary lifestyle and diet. Our move from wilderness to cubicle is likely responsible for our increasing susceptibility to a number of new diseases.    

Super Brain (2012) offers a fascinating look at the amazing powers your brain has to change your life and even alter your perception of the world. “Mind over matter” is a rule; with the right set of tools, you can rise above the daily grind to live a healthier, longer life free from fear and disappointment.

"Loved this book-in-blinks! I'm very interested in learning about the brain, endocrinology and the biochemical processes of the body. As a personal trainer, massage therapist and yoga teacher, I'm somewhat of a body nerd.” – Lisa, Blinkist user, USA

The Inner Game of Tennis (1972) explains the tension between your conscious and unconscious minds, and how this conflict relates to performance, specifically through the lens of tennis. These blinks offer concrete advice on how to harness your natural ability and excel both on the court and off.

String Theory (2016) is a collection of essays about tennis by David Foster Wallace. The best players in the world sacrifice their lives so that they can entertain us, but their sacrifice elevates them to a level of greatness that the rest of us lowly mortals will never achieve.

The Upward Spiral (2015) details the ways your brain can fall into a progressively worsening depression and what you can do to reverse the process. These blinks explain the material conditions that cause your mood to slump and offer concrete steps for overcoming depression, anxiety and worry.

Open (2009) is a revealing account of the turbulent life of one of America’s all-time best tennis players. More than anything else, it’s a story of Agassi’s battle for balance and self-understanding, all while dealing with the constant stream of complications that arose from fame and public scrutiny.

The Captain Class (2017) gets to the bottom of what it truly means to be the captain of a winning sports team. You might think all it takes to make a great team is to bring together the best possible players. This is just one of the many misperceptions people have about team sports. Walker points out that the best teams have captains who possess specific characteristics that enable them to lead their teams to victory.

This Is Your Brain on Sports (2016) is a fascinating journey into the human brain and an examination of what exactly happens to it when we play sports. Far more than mere games people play, sports provide a great deal of insight into our psyche and what makes us tick, observations that ring true for players and fans alike.

Ali (2017) takes you through the the life of Muhammad Ali, a man whose complex story reveals him to be much more than just one of history’s greatest heavyweight boxers. Author Jonathan Eig takes readers through the humble beginnings of a young Cassius Clay, his transformation into Muhammad Ali and the many triumphs and scandals that followed.

Endure (2018) takes an in-depth look at what enables certain boundary-pushing athletes to hit the wall of pain and effort – and still keep going. Alex Hutchinson examines the multiple and complex factors that allow marathon runners and cyclists to keep breaking records and reaching new heights in human endurance.

Chasing Excellence (2017) provides a revealing look at the mental toughness that is required of athletes who hope to be among the world’s best. Ben Bergeron takes readers behind the scenes to see what it takes to train for world-class competitions, and just how important mental fitness is to an athlete’s overall strength.

In his book Boost! (2017), author Michael Bar-Eli uses decades of experience with world-class athletes, and the many hard-won lessons he’s learned along the way, to explain the dynamic power of sports psychology. The author not only shows how athletes can use psychology to their advantage, but how this element can be used to improve the performance of any team player, whether on the court or in the office.

Undo It! (2019) reveals the astonishing power of making simple lifestyle changes that can not just prevent, but even reverse a wide range of chronic diseases. That might sound like wishful thinking, but it’s backed by a rich array of research that has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and reflects a growing consensus within the mainstream medical community.

The 4-Hour Body (2010) is a collection of research and findings about unconventional body-regulating methods from doctors, scientists, professional sports trainers and the world’s top athletes. These methods are personally put to the test by the author, leading him to unearth life-changing shortcuts to improving his body and overall lifestyle.

Astroball (2018) charts the managerial revolution that propelled the Houston Astros baseball team from mid-league mediocrity to winning the 2017 World Series. The secret? Ditching old-fashioned scouting and recruiting policies that relied on “gut instinct” and embracing the power of big data. Full of fascinating insights into the world of American baseball, with all its traditions and mores, this is a must-read book for both those who love the sport, as well as anyone fascinated by the way tech is reshaping our world.

Burnout (2019) offers women an honest and practical look at the causes of their everyday stress and anxiety and the different ways in which science can help. Since women continue to face a very different set of expectations to men, it stands to reason that women also deal with a different form of burnout. Authors Emily and Amelia Nagoski offer scientific, as well as personal, insight into what’s really going on and what women can do to not only persist but thrive in the modern world.

WOLFPACK (2019) is a rallying cry for women to join together, empower each other and celebrate one another’s achievements. Drawing on her incredible career as a professional athlete, author Abby Wambach explores how women everywhere can gain strength in numbers and achieve equality, fulfillment and joy.

Successful Aging (2020) turns the idea that old age is a time of inevitable decline and discomfort on its head. Daniel J. Levitin gives us insight into the neuroscience of aging and, along the way, a bunch of tips about how we can not only cope with aging, but actually appreciate it as a unique life phase.

Body Kindness (2016) offers a refreshing approach to your overall physical and emotional health – one that allows you to tune into your own unique body and discover what is best for your well-being. This approach does away with one-size-fits-all dietary and exercise rules that often introduce a lot of added stress and anxiety into our daily lives. With small, easy-to-implement steps, you can learn how to boost their health and happiness, without the rules and rigidity.

The Joy of Movement (2019) makes an inspired and highly original case for exercise. Drawing on the latest insights from biology, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, author Kelly McGonigal sets out to show us that the benefits of exercise go far beyond improving our physical health. With hard science and real-life anecdotes, she illustrates how movement brings us hope, meaning, and connection – and explains how everyone can harness its positive powers.

Widen the Window (2019) is your guide to healing trauma, relieving chronic stress, and living fully in the present. Drawing on her personal experience as a military leader and building on the latest science, Elizabeth A. Stanley examines how stress and trauma impact our mind and body; how our culture incentivizes work over health; and how mindfulness can bridge the gap between our thinking brains and our bodies’ ancient survival stress response.

Jog on (2019) examines the devastating effects of anxiety disorders and reveals how exercise can help to treat them. These blinks also explore author Bella Mackie’s own mental health struggles and chart her journey to recovery. 

Brain Wash (2020) is a no-nonsense handbook for living a calm and content life in a world that’s designed to deliver the opposite. Medical doctors David and Austin Perlmutter unpack how our modern society manipulates our brains. Then they lay out a powerful 10-day bootcamp for breaking these bad patterns and building healthier habits.

Breath (2020) is the fascinating and unexpected story of the power of breathing. Western science has overlooked the amazing effects that different methods of breathing can have on our health.

Talking to GOATs (2020) recounts the inside stories and memorable moments from some of the greatest athletes and sporting events the world has ever seen. These insights have been culled from the from the four-decade-long career of the renowned sports interviewer, Jim Gray.

Body by Science (2009) is a comprehensive guide to building muscle. This handbook is driven by data, and it offers a scientifically proven approach to sculpting a fitter, firmer body. All you’ll need is a few minutes a week.

In Praise of Walking (2019) examines the science behind one of the basic skills that defines us as human beings. By walking more, you can boost your physical and mental health – and become more creative and social.

The Stress Code (2018) explores the role that stress plays in our everyday lives. It examines why stress is deadly to our health, and what effects it has on the global economy. Sutton offers science-backed strategies for stress management to help you improve your mental and physical health and to achieve your potential on a personal and professional level.

Exercised (2020) is a cutting-edge account of physical activity, rest, and human health. Drawing on groundbreaking research in the fields of exercise science, evolutionary theory, and anthropology, it presents a unique account of the human body’s needs and abilities.

The Wim Hof Method (2020) posits that we can overcome almost anything, from illness and depression to extreme climate conditions, by employing Wim Hof’s methods. Based on three pillars – cold, breathing, and mindset – The Wim Hof Method seeks to help you activate your full potential.

The Comfort Crisis (2021) offers a cure for the physical and mental health problems of modern-day life. It’s all about getting comfortable with discomfort, which can mean anything from roughing it in the wilderness to contemplating death.

I’m So Effing Tired (2021) shows how you can overcome chronic exhaustion by tapping into the interconnected relationship between your gut, your immune system, and your hormones – also known as “the energy trifecta.” It demonstrates how you can boost energy levels by making changes to your lifestyle, your diet, and how you manage stress. 

Move! (2021) is a step-by-step guide to setting your body – and mind – in motion. Drawing on recent exercise science research, it shares actionable tips for boosting creativity, improving mental health, and future-proofing your brain against the many effects of aging.

In Letters to a Young Athlete (2021), basketball legend Chris Bosh shares the wisdom he earned through his remarkable career. Bosh shows us that true excellence requires deep motivation, mastery of self, and a commitment to something far greater than money or fame.

The Plant-Based Athlete (2021) debunks the myth that our bodies need meat, eggs, and dairy to achieve peak athletic success. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with professional athletes, it shows that a plant-based diet actually results in better performance, recovery time, and overall health.

Discipline Equals Freedom (2020) is your field manual to the art of self-discipline. It uncovers what you need to do to meet your full potential – and why being disciplined sets you free. 

All In (2021) tells the remarkable life story of Billie Jean King, the woman who led a call for equality in women’s sports that soon reverberated around the world. King’s activism and refusal to back down led to real changes in the US legislature, with results that spread far beyond the realm of sports. All the while, King grappled with personal issues that would only find resolution later in life.

Endure (2022) is Cameron Hanes’ inspirational story of strength, perseverance, and becoming the greatest bowhunter in the world. Drawing on the author’s anecdotes and life philosophies, it shows that anyone has the capacity to push their limits and be the best that they can be.

The Last Folk Hero (2022) dives into Bo Jackson's life and career as a multi-sport phenomenon. It details his early childhood days in Bessemer, Alabama, and the feats he accomplished as an amateur and professional player.

Younger Next Year (2019) is an actionable guide to delaying the onset of 70 percent of normal aging signs until well into your final years. It focuses on seven rules for achieving a stronger, healthier, and younger body and mind. 

Master Your Core (2021) provides a holistic overview of how strengthening your core can directly boost your athletic performance and mood while reducing injuries. It offers a scientific explanation of “core stability” and includes breathing, stretching, and dynamic exercises to train your core muscles and improve your overall health.

Good for a Girl (2023) chronicles the career of pro runner Lauren Fleshman, and the issues with the sports system she encountered along the way. It’s both a memoir detailing her life and a manifesto crying for change.

The Mamba Mentality (2018) is Kobe Bryant’s personal take on basketball, his life, and his career. It provides details on how he physically and mentally prepared for the game, the depth with which he analyzed his opponents, and how basketball taught him to lead and grow.

Outlive (2023) is a comprehensive guide to living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Drawing on cutting-edge science and practical advice, it empowers you to optimize your exercise, nutrition, sleep, and emotional health for maximum longevity.

The Mosquito Bowl (2022) tells the story of American football stars going to war and playing one more game when they get there. It details a nation divided by bigotry but united by sport and a common enemy.

Forever Young (2023) challenges the notion that poor health associated with aging is an inevitable part of life. Instead, it provides a roadmap to not only live longer but to enjoy good health until death.

Built to Move (2023) is your ultimate guide to building a better, healthier, more functional body. The concept is simple – it provides a handful of simple tests to assess your movement, and a handful of easy-to-follow routines to improve it. Utilizing the latest insights of mobility, sleep, and nutrition science, you’ll learn to keep your body and mind as fit as possible with minimal effort – no matter if you’re a couch potato or a world class athlete. 

Smarter Not Harder (2023) is a guide to biohacking your metabolic, neurological, and epigenetic systems. It will show you how to maximize your well-being by making your Meat Operating System, or MeatOS, do what you want it to do by doing less – by doing things smarter, not harder.

Moneyball (2003) follows the remarkable transformation of the Oakland Athletics, a Major League Baseball team. Under visionary general manager Billy Beane, the club defies conventional wisdom by leveraging the power of Sabermetrics, a data-driven approach to building a competitive roster.

Bowerman and the Men of Oregon (2006) is a riveting tale about track and field coach Bill Bowerman’s relentless drive to produce the best athletes from his base in his native Oregon. Through innovation and sheer force of character, he inspired a community to fall in love with running, and in the process co-founded Nike.

The Story of "Nike: Going Public" recounts the journey of sports industry titan Nike as it transitioned from a private to a public company, an important move to rescue the business. Navigating the hurdles of going public was no easy task, as this narrative unveils the trials faced by Phil Knight, Nike's CEO, and his eventual triumph.