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“So, do you have any hobbies?” These days that feels like a quaint question. Hobbies for men sounds like something from a rose-tinted past where extra-curricular activities might have included something more wholesome than Facebook, Netflix or five ill-judged pints of pale ale. Well, let’s change that.
We need more hobbies. Because frankly we could all do with a distraction or two. In a world that’s always on, always charged, where to-do lists are never-ending and everyone’s addicted to their screens, a hobby gives you an out. They’re a way to unplug, relax, meet people (in physical, 3D form no less) and serve up an antidote to the general burnout of modern life.
Below, we’ve found no less than 50 best hobbies for men, each of them designed to tackle an unwanted symptom of the rat race. Have fun.
We hear about the obesity epidemic and the population’s worrying lack of fitness all the time. But keeping in shape is harder than it should be sometimes, especially with the lure of a comfy sofa and 12 years of boxsets to smash through.
In fact, it was reported recently that Brits spend more time on the loo each week than they do exercising – and 64 per cent of us sit down for at least six hours a day. Staying in shape needn’t be the chore that we build it up to be. Find a cool and engaging fitness trend and make it your hobby – before you know it you’ll actually enjoy fitness.
Developed by former wrestling champ Diamond Dallas Page, DDP yoga is a mix of traditional yoga and bodyweight exercises that has already turned around lives (one army vet who was told he’d never walk unaided again now runs – yes, runs).
Low impact and a great workout for losing weight. Worried about showing everything in tight yoga pants? There are other workout pant options that can help you feel confident as you stretch into your new hobby.
Essential item to get started: A comfortable yoga mat and breathable workout clothing to facilitate ease of movement and stretching.
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Military-style functional fitness classes are intense, high-energy workouts designed to mimic the physical training regimens used by armed forces.
These classes focus on building overall strength, endurance, agility, and mental toughness through a variety of exercises, including calisthenics, weightlifting, obstacle courses, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Participants can expect to perform push-ups, pull-ups, rope climbs, sprints, and more, often in a group setting that fosters camaraderie and motivation.
Essential item to get started: Comfortable workout attire that allows for a full range of motion and supportive athletic shoes designed for a variety of activities.
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Weightlifting is a powerful hobby that builds strength, endurance, and overall fitness. It involves lifting weights to enhance muscle mass, improve bone density, and boost metabolism.
This hobby requires a structured training program, proper technique, and consistency to see significant results. Beginners can start with basic exercises using free weights or machines and gradually increase the intensity.
Weightlifting not only enhances physical health but also promotes mental well-being by reducing stress and improving confidence. Essential gear includes proper attire, weightlifting gloves, and sometimes a belt for added support.
Essential item to get started: A set of free weights and proper lifting attire for support and safety.
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Hiking is a versatile and accessible hobby that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being. It involves walking in natural environments, often on trails or paths through forests, mountains, and parks.
Hiking enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and improves balance. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, connect with nature, and enjoy scenic landscapes.
Suitable for all fitness levels, hiking can range from easy walks to challenging treks. Essential gear includes sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing, and a backpack with water and snacks. This hobby offers a refreshing escape from daily routines and a chance to explore the great outdoors.
Essential item to get started: Sturdy hiking boots and a comfortable backpack with water and snacks.
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Want to work towards the ultimate fitness goal? Training for long-distance running, whether it’s a marathon or starting with a Couch to 5K program, takes dedication but offers immense rewards. The Couch to 5K program is a fantastic starting point, designed for beginners to gradually build up their running stamina and confidence.
As you progress from a 5K to longer distances, you’ll find that the structured training not only strengthens your leg muscles but also brings a sense of organization and mental clarity. With consistent effort, you’ll discover that running long distances is not only achievable but also incredibly fulfilling.
Essential item to get started: A pair of high-quality running shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning to prevent injuries and enhance performance over long distances.
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Mountain biking is an exhilarating hobby that combines physical fitness, adventure, and a love for the outdoors. It offers an intense full-body workout, enhancing cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and coordination. Navigating trails and rough terrains also improves mental agility and resilience.
For beginners, starting with easy trails and gradually progressing to more challenging ones is key. Investing in a good-quality mountain bike and safety gear is crucial. This hobby not only provides an adrenaline rush but also a sense of achievement and connection with nature.
Essential item to get started: A good-quality mountain bike and safety gear, including a helmet and protective pads.
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Rock climbing is an adrenaline-pumping hobby that challenges both your physical and mental limits. It offers a full-body workout, enhancing strength, flexibility, and endurance. Mentally, it sharpens problem-solving skills and focus, as each climb presents unique challenges.
Whether you’re scaling indoor climbing walls or tackling outdoor cliffs, rock climbing fosters a sense of adventure and accomplishment. Safety is paramount, so proper training and equipment are essential. This hobby not only improves fitness but also provides a deep connection with nature and a thrilling sense of achievement.
Essential item to get started: Climbing shoes, a harness, and a set of carabiners and ropes.
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Swinging a longsword around Game of Thrones-style doesn’t just look cool, it’s a serious test of strength and endurance. Those swords are much heavier than they look, you know (and they already look pretty bloody heavy). Join local classes to take part in this exciting hobby and find your inner Jon Snow.
Running, jumping, climbing, wrestling – natural movements in the outdoors. The idea is to develop the kind of physicality which humans evolved, with a strong emphasis on natural environments to stave off immobility and the mental effects of being cooped up indoors all the time.
Downloadable audio workouts from online fitness platforms such as Daily Spot can boost your cardio performance with instructions, tips and banging tunes straight into your earphones.
It’s a great hobby and better than being shouted at by a real personal trainer, right? Plus, when it comes to cheap hobbies for men, this is one of the most inexpensive options if getting in shape is on your to-do list.
One of the big emerging trends in running – swapping the good old-fashioned park for a huge flight of stairs. Guaranteed to increase your lactate threshold, leg strength and muscular endurance, it will also improve standard flat level running and burn a serious amount of calories.
Another digital fitness trend–this is where exercise meets geek culture (which doesn’t happen very often). There are several VR programs available for fitness – such as headset-exercise bike combos that create virtual environments to cycle through – or strap some bodyweight on to play your favorite shooter.
The art of lightsaber dueling – or LudoSport as it’s called in real life – is now a legitimate sporting discipline (no longer just grown men whacking each other with sticks and doing the noises). It requires skill and agility, and an allegiance to the Light or Dark Side of The Force. Seriously.
Anyone who’s done boxing training will tell you this is one of the hardest of hardcore, martial arts workouts there is – incredible cardio, strength, endurance, coordination, and learning self defense too. Muay Thai is the hottest boxing style around, so there’s never been a better time to take it up.
Modern life is mostly just sitting down and staring at a screen. In the office. At home. On the bus or the train. Let’s be honest, you’re doing it right now. And we all know that feeling of mental screen burn: that slightly wired fuzziness behind the eyes. The effects are real.
Studies have reported shrinking of brain tissue and impaired cognitive function from excessive screen time. A report from last year confirmed US adults were spending over 10 hours each day staring at a screen, while a UK study revealed we spend more time on devices than in bed. Prolonged TV viewing has also been connected to increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
These hobby ideas for men will get you away from the screen and stimulate both body and mind, offering a refreshing change from the digital world.
Model building is a meticulous and rewarding hobby that involves creating detailed scale models of various objects, such as cars, airplanes, ships, and buildings. This activity enhances fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail. It also provides a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment as each project is completed.
Model building can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels, with kits available for beginners and more complex projects for experienced builders. Essential tools include precision knives, glue, paints, and brushes. This hobby offers a relaxing and immersive experience, perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands and seeing their creations come to life.
Essential item to get started: A model kit appropriate for your skill level, along with precision knives, glue, and paints.
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Staring at your phone’s GPS isn’t just giving you screen-related fatigue, it’s stopping your brain’s ability to work things out – in this case directions – for itself. Urban orienteering is a half race, half mental challenge: reading a (real) map, while running, outdoors. The perfect hobby as well as remedy.
Studies have linked board games to boosts in cognitive skills and good mental health. And there are plenty of adult-orientated games out there. For a fun hobby, try historical fantasy Scythe, space-opera strategy Quantum, or puzzler Sagrada. Joining a club is every bit as addictive as social media, only the people and interactions are real.
Essential item to get started: A classic board game set, such as chess or Settlers of Catan, to enjoy strategic and social gaming experiences.
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It seems like a thing of the past – a lost analog art, if you like – but there are still impressive film cameras available to buy. Old-school cameras are still superior in natural light for authentic-looking photographs. Plus, by having to get it right, you skip all the time you spend dropping filters or fiddling in post-production apps on your phone. You have to be in the moment.
Essential item to get started: A quality digital camera, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera, to capture high-resolution images and experiment with various photography techniques.
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Numerous studies have found evidence that puzzles help delay memory decline in old age and ward off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s by keeping you mentally active. Jigsaws also require visuospatial skills, which engage different parts of the brain and enhance problem solving skills. Namely the ones that are usually fried into submission by your inbox.
Essential item to get started: A challenging jigsaw puzzle with a high piece count to engage your mind and improve concentration.
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Trainspotting is kind of old hat, but there are lots of other spotter hobbies: bird watching, of course, cars, dragonflies, trees, even fungi. All you need is yourself, some half-decent weather and a notebook.
Essential item to get started: A pair of high-quality binoculars to help you spot and identify whatever it is you are spotting clearly and comfortably from a distance.
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You can Tinder all you want, but you’re not going to learn any new ways to impress a potential date staring at your phone. And what’s more impressive than a flawlessly performed magic trick?
Instead of wasting a lifetime watching sports on never-ending 24-hour channels, and slowly frying your brain while adding extra pounds, consider engaging in fun hobbies for men. Get out and experience a game in person.
In fact, go one step further: make it a mission to visit as many stadiums and club grounds as possible in the sport you love the most. This is not just a hobby, it’s an adventure and collection experience, adding excitement and physical activity to your life.
Turn off the computer, go outside and start one of the most manly hobbies you can possibly do with your hands – carve something out of a massive block of wood with a chainsaw. It’s a rugged workout, but can be a rewarding hobby. Extra points if you make something actually artistic.
The health benefits for this are obvious: fresh air, sunshine, light exercise and an unlimited source of vitamins and minerals. It’s also the height of 21st century masculinity to grow your own (food that is, not a beard – though it helps the earthy hipster look). At the very least, try growing some herbs in a window box.
A wonderfully lonesome hobby for men who enjoy the great outdoors and the quiet thrill of trying (but inevitably failing) to find buried treasure. There’s also a whole detecting subculture and hobbyist clubs to get involved with and yes, there is a (slim) chance that you’ll find the Lost Ark of the Covenant.
If the only thing you do with your hands these days is click a mouse and swipe left, it’s time to go all hunter-gatherer. Fishing is among the most popular hobbies for men, so why not give it a go? “Trout tickling” is a real thing – a technique that sends trout into a hypnotic daze when you stroke their undersides. If you can master that, you can call it a day on man-skills. You’ve already won.
Stress, exhaustion and being overworked can all lead to “burnout” – a very 21st century health problem. The symptoms are closely related to depression, such as severe anxiety, insomnia, and both physical and mental fatigue.
A YouGov poll in 2015 found that 51 per cent of full-time employees in the UK had experienced burnout. It’s all too easy to make it worse and keep piling on the work. But there’s only one way to tackle the effects: relax. Here are some suggestions for very chill, meditative hobbies for men that put your to-do list out of mind.
Classic car renovation is a rewarding hobby that combines mechanical skill, creativity, and a love for vintage automobiles. It involves restoring old vehicles to their former glory, which can range from minor cosmetic touch-ups to complete overhauls of the engine and bodywork.
This hobby requires patience, attention to detail, and a good set of tools. Enthusiasts often find satisfaction in preserving automotive history and enjoy the hands-on experience of working on cars. Successful renovations can also lead to significant increases in the vehicle’s value, making it both a fulfilling and potentially lucrative endeavor.
Essential item to get started: A reliable set of automotive tools and a detailed repair manual for the specific car model.
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A step-up from the old-school paper aeroplane, origami has seen a resurgence in interest for its ability to achieve mindfulness, tranquillity and even meditation through the art on teeny-tiny paper folding.
The adult LEGO fan community gets bigger all the time, but the beauty of LEGO is that it’s one of the all-time solitary hobbies for men. Designing and building is the perfect combo of taking on a manly project and and spending some serene, childlike time with oneself. The polar opposite of assembling flat-pack furniture.
A stylish alternative to the usually geeky hobby of memorabilia or stamps is collecting the the best and rarest sneakers from around the world – from sports to hip-hop and custom-made designs.
The personal satisfaction of a great collection – especially one that makes you look so good – is immense. Seek out local stores rather than just relying on eBay to join in on one of the best hobbies for men.
That’s right, knitting. In the last few years, more young men have taken up knitting as a pastime – not just to get creative with coloured wool, but because it’s an effective de-stresser and relaxation exercise. Plus, it’s absolutely
It sounds like a craze – and it kind of is – but this is among the most creative hobby ideas for getting in the zen-zone. It’s essentially a light yoga-style workout while cocooned in a hammock suspended from the ceiling, followed by a bit of a nap, designed to energise both body and mind. It works.
Research nearby track days or driving experiences and drive something incredible that won’t require a remortgage. Getting behind the wheel of powerful or classic cars can be literally and figuratively transportive for petrol heads, and is the perfect hobby for a little bit of thrill.
Coloring has become hugely popular for adult hobbyists, with coloring books among Amazon’s biggest sellers in recent years. Psychologists are reported to prescribe coloring to patients as a relaxation tool, and it’s proven to combat stress and anxiety by calming parts of the brain and refocusing attention.
Aquariums have long been associated with well-being and relaxation, presumably because we find watching fish relaxing. But researchers in 2015 found that tanks containing greater biodiversity – i.e. more species – made people happier and reduced their heart rate and blood pressure.
Take the stress out of life by therapeutically kneading some dough and making something fancy that’s bad for the waistline but excellent for the soul. Besides, everyone knows that these days real men bake. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a life skill.
Dating is changing. Between 2005 and 2015, the number of young Americans using online dating jumped from 10% to 27% – a number that’s only going to rise with the near countless number of sites and apps available.
This means dating is becoming formulaic: read the profile, swipe, meet for dinner (although a third of people using online dating never even go on dates – how uninspired is that?). Meanwhile, the average married couple reports being bored after two years.
In our hyper-connected world, people are finding it harder to actually connect. What we need is some creative and inspiring date night ideas to keep things exciting.
It’s a good alternative to going out for a meal, of course, but a survey conducted last year found that couples who cook together also stay together. 87% of people surveyed said cooking together strengthens a relationship, while 88% of people in a relationship said cooking helped communication.
There are even online courses that’ll teach you to cook, if you fancy a romantic night in. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, learn about fire pit cooking and how to use a chiminea.
Essential item to get started: Basic kitchen utensils and a quality chef’s knife to practice and perfect your culinary skills.
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An app based-treasure hunt that uses GPS to help you find a hidden “cache” of goodies. Caches are stashed away in location all around the world. Like Pokemon Go, but for adults.
There’s something eternally satisfying about the idea of surprising – and let’s face in, impressing – your mates by busting out some perfectly-timed ballroom dancing moves at a party. It will be a lot of fun learning too, literally keeping you in rhythm together.
Get some creative inspiration by taking drawing classes together. It could be good for your sex life too. Who wouldn’t feel frisky after staring at naked models all night?
Imagine the street cred you’d get if you and your partner could hit the decks together, scratching, mixing and dropping bombs with mad relationship skills.
For couples on the cultural cutting edge, your standard restaurant can be a dull option. Try a supper club instead. There are lots of unique pop-ups and themed clandestine eateries dishing up delicious grub in near secret. Tasty food – often served with side of theatrics – for diners in the know only.
The cinema on a Friday and Saturday is mostly a nightmare: talking, mobile phones and popcorn being chucked about the place. Try taking your partner to a pop-up cinema – you can find great rooftop and beach cinemas when the weather’s right – or join a dedicated cinema club.
Tasting – alright, scoffing – cheese is one of life’s greatest indulgences, dressed up as a posh social gathering. It shows a bit of imagination on date night, and you can impress her with the highly sophisticated ability to whiff a good cheddar from 10 yards. Just remember some mints.
Pencils, penises, and purposely shit art – there are museums dedicated to all sorts of weird things. Have a mini museum adventure and see something slightly bonkers for a truly memorable day out.
How many times have they said they’d like to go away one weekend, and you’ve mumbled in agreement but never done anything about it? Research has shown that vacations, apart from being a lot of fun, are also good for your health and stave off heart problems. Do your partner (and ticker) a favor: stick a pin in a random location and get away for a couple of days a few times a year.
The reality of self-improvement is a tricky one – we all want to be better at work, better in ourselves, and equipped with generally better life skills. There are countless apps to help brain, body and soul, and we’re constantly told that productivity is the result of a successful person. But it shouldn’t be all-encompassing, of course. That’s a fast track to never achieving the ultimate goal.
Psychologists say that small, realistic goals are key for self-improvement, so why not start by taking aim with a hobby first. Here are some ways to get started with self-development and – most importantly – make it fun.
Self-improvement at its most primal level: fire-starting, outdoor shelters, foraging and animal tracking. Skills all men want and would secretly prefer to Instagram photo editing and fixing the WiFi router.
Group survival courses also teach invaluable team and communication skills to take into the workplace (leave the skinned rabbit at home though, yeah?).
Next time you have a flat tyre or something starts steaming under the hood, you’ll be able to sort it out yourself. It’s not just handy and cheaper than going to the garage, but fixing your own car is absolutely essential for achieving Peak Bloke and starting one of many manly hobbies.
Tasting whisky is old hat. Rum is on the verge of a flavorsome comeback, so now’s the time to take on one of the best hobbies for men and to learn how to be a connoisseur and develop a palate for the trendiest, tastiest spirit around.
This bodyweight HIIT class at Gymbox is more than just about sports and physical fitness (though it’ll whip you in to shape double-quick), it’s about testing and improving mental strength though team exercises and individual competition. You’ll get a body and brain sweat on, while trying a new hobby.
We all wish we’d read more books and learnt a new language. So kill two highly cultured birds with one stone. Research has found that learning a second language improves brain function by boosting multitasking, problem solving, decision making and even your grasp of English.
(Related: The 50 Books Every Man Should Read)
C’mon, there are a dozen little odd jobs that need doing around the house but you haven’t got the DIY knowhow to sort them out. Getting some basic DIY under your (tool) belt is a great way to save money, learn something new and help you rest easier in the knowledge that you’ve got actual manly skills.
Not only a way to force yourself to learn new things, this also means you’ll been eating healthier and a more varied diet. Having a repertoire of world cuisines is a fun way to impress a date too.
This is a scientific fact: every man wants to be the grandmaster of trivia and general knowledge (okay that may not be scientific, but it is a fact – as a true trivia master would know). Bone up on history and popular culture to get serious about the pub quiz circuit.
A famous 1990s study found first-time players of Tetris had a thickening of the cerebral cortex – learning the game was stimulating the brain and activating neural circuits. It’s not just Tetris either, but when learning any game. With retro gaming on the 1up, what a great excuse to re-learn Mario, Street Fighter and Pac-Man. Who says hobbies for men have to be serious?
It’s one of the most commonly cited hobbies for men for helping increase IQ. And there’s evidence that playing a musical instrument changes the structure and function of the brain, with parts of your grey matter that control memory, hearing and motor skills becoming more active. Plus, playing ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ on the accordion is quite the party piece.
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