Up to 90% of people in the United States say that they’re bored on a regular basis. If you can relate to that, then it’s time for you to pick up a new hobby.
Why not make it a hobby that reaffirms your masculinity? There’s nothing wrong with any hobby you enjoy, but some men like to use their free time to affirm and define their manhood.
Keep reading to learn more about 8 of the best hobbies for men looking for more traditional and masculine pursuits!
1. Woodworking
Many men like activities that require them to work with their hands and create something completely on their own. If that sounds like you, woodworking is an excellent hobby option!
Think about it: one of the most masculine characters on TV, Ron Swanson, was a woodworker. The actor who plays him, Nick Offerman, is also a woodworker.
Offerman suggests that beginners start small: birdhouses, fixing up the broken stair outside, doghouses, etc.
He also recommends getting a mentor who can help you through the beginning stages. This offers a great chance for some male bonding with a new friend or family member.
You can then move onto the exciting stuff: building chairs, tables, intricate woodcarvings, etc. This is a great way to get artistic and express yourself while also feeling masculine.
2. Brew Your Own Beer
What’s more masc than cracking open a cold one? Wouldn’t it be cool to create your own craft beer from the comfort of your man cave?
Well, you can when you taking up brewing as a hobby! All you need are a couple of supplies, like brewing yeast from this great company and a how-to guide, and you’re all set. The next tailgate you attend will be a blast thanks to your fresh brewed beer.
You can start off with classic brewing recipes before branching off into new and interesting flavors (you know there’s a pizza beer?).
3. Fishing
Looking to escape to the great outdoors? Fishing allows you to get out on the water, enjoy some peace and quiet, and hone your craft all at once.
Whether you take up freshwater fishing in your one-man canoe or you decide on deep-sea fishing expeditions with all your buddies, fishing is a great outdoor activity that’s also traditionally masculine.
You’ll also get to bring home your catch, fire up the grill, and enjoy the spoils of your new hobby with the whole family.
4. Weightlifting
Staying fit doesn’t have to be a dull grind. Weightlifting and bodybuilding is a great way to stay healthy while also giving you specific goals to hit and reach.
It’s also great for people of all activity and fitness levels. Beginners can make it their goal to do a single pull-up, and more advanced lifters can enter into bodybuilding and powerlifting competition to test their strength.
Hitting the gym is also a way to blow off steam after long days at the office, and can provide a reprieve of solitude if you want a hobby that’s more independent.
5. Reading
Speaking of independence, reading is an awesome intellectual pursuit. Many men think that reading isn’t very “manly”, but some of the most masculine men in history were avid readers.
Just think about Theodore Roosevelt and all of our Founding Fathers. These are famous and well-loved men were intellectuals who were constantly reading.
So follow in their footsteps and start educating yourself. If you still feel like reading itself isn’t masculine enough for you, start off with more “manly” books.
Read up on fishing techniques or biographies of some of your heroes. Or, try out graphic novels about your favorite superheroes.
As you get more into reading, you can then branch out into other genres. Read non-fiction books on subjects that interest you like science or politics or history.
Try out some mysteries, famous literature, and even some romance if you want! There’s something inherently manly about not caring what people think, so do and read whatever you want!
6. Gardening
If your idea of masculinity involves outdoor activities, gardening could be your new passion. It takes a lot of trial and error, hard work, research, and drive to get down and dirty (literally).
What’s more masculine than living off the land, getting your hands dirty, your neck burning in the sun, and literally putting dinner on the table?
7. Cooking
What good is putting food on the table if you don’t know how to cook it? While the traditional (and, let’s face it, slightly sexist) image puts women in the kitchen, the fact is that the majority of professional chefs are men. So if you need validation that cooking is indeed manly, just look at the numerous famous chefs and cooks who are also men!
Whether you want to learn how to properly barbecue the fish you caught, roast up the veggies from your garden, or anything in between, cooking is an awesome hobby for both family men and single guys alike.
8. Sports
We saved the most quintessential option for last: joining a sports team. Sports, athletic ability, and masculinity have gone hand in hand since the time of the original Olympic games more than 2000 years ago!
Whether you’re a football man, a baseball player, or a golfer, there’s a sport out there for you. Even weightlifting that we mentioned earlier can be considered a sport.
If you want some male bonding and camaraderie, consider a team sport like kickball or basketball. You don’t have to be too serious either. You can play pick up games with your buddies or join a local league.
Remember, These Are Just a Few of the Best Hobbies for Men
This list is far from comprehensive. Men can do whatever they want whether that’s the most traditionally masculine hobby or one that’s considered more feminine. But if you personally to partake in manly hobbies, these are 8 of the best hobbies for men.
Looking for other ways to bond with your buddies besides playing sports? Check out our ideas for bro dates that you and your friends will love.
