Although many hobbies are viewed as either masculine or feminine, there is no reason why any activity should be gendered. Contrary to old-fashioned thinking, girls can do anything that boys can and, let’s be honest, we all know sometimes they can do it even better. If you’re looking for a hobby that will expand your mind, sharpen your skillset and keep you endlessly entertained, check out some of these “manly” hobbies below, all of which are perfect for gals who love to smash the status quo.
1. Riding Motorcycles
There are very few activities as freeing as hopping on the back of a hog and embracing the open road, so why should the guys be the only ones who get to experience it? If you’re looking for a big thrill, go ahead and toss on your helmet, crank up the motorcycle helmet speakers and kick that baby into high-gear because this uber-rewarding hobby is sure to satisfy.
How to Get Started: Before you go investing in a high-tech helmet communication system or some badass leather boots, make sure you get your motorcycle license. Check with your state’s bureau of motor vehicles to figure out the protocol. Most states require you to pass a written, vision and road test before you can legally ride.
2. Lifting Weights
It’s such a shame that weight training has been hijacked by the boys’ club, since this is one hobby that can benefit girls a whole lot. And women shouldn’t be discounted in the weight room because they can haul a pretty impressive load. Yup, the world’s strongest woman can squat over 850 pounds and deadlift nearly 700 pounds. Impressive, right? Lifting can help women build strength, stamina and endurance, leading to better overall health.
How to Get Started: We recommend either signing up for classes at a lifting gym or getting some one-on-one personal training in the weight room. It’s a good idea to work with a female trainer who understands your body as well as some of the stigmas that run rampant at the gym.
3. Archery and Guns
Learning how to shoot helps enhance your hand-eye coordination and focus, but the real benefit here is that it makes you feel like a total badass. Archery is an amazing activity for those who want an extra challenge when aiming. Shooting guns at the range can provide a similar challenge and can help you feel more comfortable around and confident with firearms, and that’s never a bad thing.
How to Get Started: Regardless of if it’s a bow or a bullet, you don’t want to start out shooting without the guidance of a professional. Hit a local archery or gun range with an instructor to guide you.
4. Billiards
If you’re the competitive type, don’t let the boys rule the billiards table. This exciting game involves honing your hand-eye coordination and figuring out how to apply the right amount of force at exactly the right angle to sink your set. And if you get good, you can even get involved with local tournaments and score some great prizes (and the best part: glory for the girls).
How to Get Started: Spend time at a billiards hall, bar or a friend’s house who has their own pool table. No need for a pro’s help here! The best strategy is to simply play as much as you can against as many people as you can.
5. Car Restoration
Everyone knows that old cars are the coolest, and it makes no sense that restoring them is considered a “guy” thing. Plus, for many restoration projects, you really only need basic automotive knowledge (and perhaps the help of YouTube). These are skills that could save you lots of time, money and effort in the future. Knowing how to swap out a flat tire or change your own oil could keep you safe in a potentially dangerous situation.
How to Get Started: Get yourself an old car! Try to make your first project a model that’s relatively cheap and easy to tackle. Surprisingly, old muscle cars like Ford Mustangs have a reputation for being fairly affordable to restore. Air-cooled Volkswagens — such as the ever-popular Beetle — are also largely considered good restoration projects and are super cute to boot.
6. Boxing
If you don’t know much about boxing, it may surprise you to find out that there is a professional boxing league for women, the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA), founded in 2000. Indeed, boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) have gained serious steam among women in the past several years, and it’s not hard to see why. This is one sport that helps you build strength and endurance while leaving you with some impressive self-defense skills.
How to Get Started: Start out by attending a boxing class or even a kickboxing class at your gym. If you like it, take one-on-one lessons at the local boxing gym and begin to train seriously.
7. Grilling and Barbecuing
Why is it that the guys automatically get control of the grill or smoker? Ladies love some good smoked meats and veggies, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t get to command the barbie if they want to. Cooking over an open flame or hot charcoal is a survival skill in its own right, and it’s a great technique to have in your arsenal if you strive to make healthy, flavorful meals for yourself and a crowd.
How to Get Started: Get a grill! Keep it simple with a tabletop charcoal style or, if you’re big on convenience, go for a small gas option. From there, you can advance to more serious grilling techniques and you may even decide to invest in a smoker or a pellet grill.
Smashing Gender Norms
In truth, the guys think they own many of the coolest and most thrilling hobbies, from long-distance motorcycle riding to boxing, but these are all completely unisex activities that can be mastered by men and women alike. We encourage all women to give these hobbies a shot and to help smash those old and arbitrary gender norms.
