Skip to main content

Reading as a Sport

Stack of blue hardcover books with open book on top against black backdrop

I tend to write more serious musings on books and faith; however, I thought I'd write a more lighthearted piece on how reading could almost function like a sport, with the huge caveats being that I am not at all advocating for this in reality nor am I speaking from a place of experience, being that the last time I played team sports was in school 😂 This is certainly meant to be tongue in cheek!

Obviously, this was somewhat inspired by the Olympics, even if that particular event may not be some people's cup of tea right now (which I fully understand). Even if reading will never feature in any type of competition, it is rather fun to think of the ways that it can strengthen minds, if not bodies, in the following ways:

Discipline

It takes discipline to be a reader, especially since reading is not always considered cool. To persist and forge on means that readers learn the skills of pressing on and not caving into peer or societal pressure, namely if you want to avoid the books that most people may be reading. There is also discipline involved in researching books to read, and following through with the books, unless it's a DNF. In that case, it can take just as much discipline to walk away from a bad book.

Focus

To be able to read in the places that we do takes immense focus, whether we read on public transportation, amidst a busy household, at a social function, or while multitasking. Being able to tune everything else out requires a level of mastery. Not being distracted is a difficult feat, especially in reading books on personal devices where the temptation lurks to check out social media or other activities. If you can read while there is noise around you, that is a skill that can transfer to other areas of life.

Memory

Much like muscle memory, there are many things that end up becoming natural over time to readers. Keeping plotlines straight? Check. Remembering what happens to characters in previous stories as you read sequels? Check. Memorizing the order of series that authors have written? Check. Keeping track of multi-author collaborations? Check. Being able to review or recall details of a book to relay to others? Check. Knowing how new worlds work and understanding its rules? Check.

Flexibility

This is a hidden skill that readers possess on multiple levels. Being able to drop everything for a new book requires adaptiveness and the willingness to embrace change. Furthermore, being able to move books up and down a TBR pile means that the mind is constantly shifting gears in determining the order of the books that should be read, making it even more agile as it takes in information to adjust expectations. In addition to being flexible, readers can also estimate time and gauge feasibility in completing books.

Resourcefulness

Readers know that being emptyhanded without a book while going out into public is just not done. Whether there is an ebook on the go, a tote that can carry a portable title, or an audiobook that can be plugged in, readers are resourceful in always ensuring a book is available when needed. Readers are also adept at locating titles that may be more obscure or harder to find, relying on many book-related options such as libraries, bookstores, thrift stores, Little Free Libraries, book swaps, and more. Finding the perfect book takes many resources, which readers have in spades.

Patience

As with any discipline, timing can be everything. Readers balance the struggle between signing up for too many ARCs with waiting for book sales. They also time when they should begin a new series; is it better to dive in while the book is popular in circulation or should they wait until the full series is released so that they can read the sequels immediately? If waiting is required while the author is writing the next book, what can readers do in the meantime? Patience is honed over time as readers await the next book releases.

Challenge

Reading challenges are nothing new, and though medals are not necessarily given out, readers still want to rise to the occasion. Being challenged to read outside of the box can be reinvigorating and could jumpstart readers into new genres, authors, and books. It can also push readers out of a reading slump by providing fresh inspiration. Readers like to push themselves, keeping their minds as sharp as possible, so it shouldn't be a surprise that all types of reading challenges exist (plug here for the Clearly Christian Readathon).

Weightlifting, Fast Scanning, and Reading During Movement

Okay, I had to add something physical in addition to all the mental acuity that is built up by reading. Readers are accustomed to holding books, so imagine the amount of weightlifting involved in moving huge stacks of books, especially if bookshelves are being rearranged. If readers carry books with them, think of the extra weight that is being lugged around without a second thought. Additionally, readers end up with improved visual scanning abilities by having to scan through book titles at bookstores and libraries on a continual basis. Those eyes sure get a workout, not to mention that this doesn't include reading through pages. Finally, if readers don't get motion sickness as they read, this is another boon as to how well the brain can function with the body. Who said you weren't coordinating all of these functions together (bonus points if you work out and listen to audiobooks)?

Though I'm not an athlete in any sense of the word, I like to think that there are some positive benefits that come from reading. Maybe I can translate all of this to being better at working out my body as much as I like to work out my mind 😅

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Singing Through Fire

I actually didn't know if I would be able to read this book in time for its release but from the moment I started, I couldn't help but keep on going until I knew the full story. Singing Through Fire by Lara Silverman is not only a captivating memoir, but it is so worshipful that I couldn't help but pray along as I read her story. If you're interested in this book before release date, you can visit Lara's form to receive the book order link on August 26, 2025. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What if you fall in love on the brink of death? Singing Through Fire invites readers into the Job-like true story of a young woman who loses everything—and dares to ask why a good God allows it. When Stanford Law graduate Lara Palanjian collapses on her dream job, she never imagines it will lead to four years bedridden—or to the love of her life. Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and...

Review: The Call of Living Water - Refuge #1

Be still, my missions-loving heart! This is hands-down, one of the best fictional books I've read on this theme, and I cannot gush enough about it. The Call of Living Water by Alexis M. Melvin is a new book that will be released on August 23, 2025 and  if I had to suggest a Christian fiction title that could make a difference in your walk with God this summer, it would be this one. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : tribal sacrifices, martyrdom Book Synopsis When the God of Living Water calls, will Suái be willing to risk her life and the lives of everyone she loves to answer? Deep in the jungle of Paraguay, Suái’s tribe worships indifferent gods who withhold the life-giving rain unless their worshippers make costly sacrifices. However, when a missionary arrives speaking of the loving God of Living Water, Suái’s curiosity leads her down a dangerous path. Thrust into a new life with p...

Review: No Stone Unturned - The Bluestocking Society #1

Seeing so many glowing reviews about No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde after it was released, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to still read a copy while it was available. Not only did the cover captivate me, I'm thrilled that its content was just as engaging as I envisioned it would be. Many thanks to  Tyndale House Publishers  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman r...