Why We Swim

By Bonnie Tsui. 2020. Algonquin, $26.95.

Tsui examines “the universal experience in water,” whether it’s in an ocean, lake, or swimming pool. Yes, there are chapters devoted to the extreme side of the sport, but the focus is on ordinary folk and the positive impact swimming can have on their lives.

Two Wheels Good: The History and Mystery of the Bicycle.

By Jody Rosen. 2022. Crown, $28.99.

Rosen offers an interesting and somewhat unconventional exploration of bicycles from the Victorian era to the present. This wildly eclectic(不拘一格的)abundance offers a love letter to bicycling and is sure to be appreciated by fans of all ages.

Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

By Peter M. Wayne and Mark L. Fuerst. 2013. Shambhala, $15.95.

Tai chi offers a wealth of mental and physical rewards, including greater flexibility, increased coordination(协调), better breathing, and more efficient gesture—all essential to enjoying sports for life. Wayne and Fuerst instruct how to get started.

Walking: One Step at a Time.

By Erling Kagge. 2019. Pantheon, $19.95.

Kagge was the first person to walk to the South Pole alone, but this book isn’t about tough and dangerous journeys; rather, it’s a guide to walking for pleasure. Writing in an wandering style, Kagge displays that walking is the essential sport for life, offering the opportunity to combine movement with reflection.