Every man needs a hobby. Who wants to be that guy at the party who only talks about work? That’s fine if you’re a champion skydiver or that dude in the Dos Equis commercials. If you’re like the rest of us, read on for a list of the top five men’s hobbies.
1. Watching Sports
Seriously, is there any guy out there who doesn’t watch sports? It’s a great way to hang out with your friends and that cute tomboy next door. Whether it’s football, basketball, soccer, or Nascar, you probably already have a favorite. Add to your DVR schedule by picking some new ones to watch. Extreme sports and mixed martial arts are two that are gaining popularity. If you have no clue what all those Tapout logos you see around town mean, it’s a good time to find out.
2. Fantasy Sports
Now there’s something to do with all those stats floating in your head. Fantasy sports are essentially Dungeons and Dragons for the everyman. In order to play, you join an online league and either choose or get assigned a team from a list of athletes on the roster. How well the athletes do in real-life games determines the number of points you earn in fantasy sports. It’s cheap, too. All you need is a computer with Internet connection, although some sites charge a few bucks for a registration fee.
Just one thing to remember. Some players treat fantasy sports just like a real game. On the bright side, if your team loses, at least the hurt is only virtual.
3. Video Gaming
If the last time you held a joystick in your hands was when the original Super Mario Bros. came out, you’re in for a big surprise. Today’s video games have insane graphics, faster play, and offer more than the standard adventure quest or first-person shooter. This hobby is also relatively inexpensive, considering how a console costs less than a laptop and you can buy or trade in used games.
4. Home Brewing
Love beer? Interested in what all goes into it to give different brews their tastes? You can make your own, thanks to home brewing kits. This hobby has been popular for some time now, with stores and online retailers selling supplies. Making your own beer is not just a great way to experiment with ale ingredients, but it’s also economical. For a couple hundred bucks, you can have your own microbrewery in your kitchen or basement instead of buying six-packs at the supermarket. If you get really good at crafting your own brew, you can enter competitions at local festivals to meet fellow beer buddies and win prizes.
5. Running
Aside from the obvious health benefits, more guys (and gals) are turning to running as a social activity. Clubs are springing up all over the country to get people connected. Most of them have weekly events where members do a group run before meeting at a local restaurant to socialize over a meal. People have managed to make new friends or even meet their future spouse this way.
So if you’ve found yourself in a rut between work and watching the eleven o’ clock news, switch it up with these hobbies. The Dos Equis man won’t have the throne for much longer.
