I asked three of my guy friends if they considered working out as a hobby. I do hot yoga, hiking, gym, and rock climbing. I consider them hobbies, but 2/3 guys I asked didn’t. Haha
Edit: wow! I love reading through all these responses. So split down the middle. I have other things in my life that would be considered hobbies(painting, gardening, baking and getting into pottery next week!) but wasn’t sure if a physical activity would be considered a hobby. So far it seems like yoga, lifting- no. Hiking & rock climbing – yes
Regardless, I like doing all of them. I was just curious because the topic of “girls having hobbies” came up and mine weren’t considered hobbies lol
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It is for some people.
No, it’s a lifestyle.
No it should just be the norm and something everyone does routinely like cooking and cleaning.
No,i enjoy my hobbies.
I think it depends if you go for fun or go for health. Some people see it as essential, others go for a good time, plenty are in the middle. I wonder if you asked then if they consider rock climbing a hobby what they would say.
A way of life
I kind of have to or I hurt a lot. So? No?
“Working out” in general, no it’s not.. it’s a part of life like taking a shower.
But what I personally do, and the research I put into it. Then yes, this level of focused attention is definitely a hobby for me.
For me it is. I need a place to get out of the house and not spend money. I usually go 4-6 times a week. Love getting the pump from weights and listening to my music.
I run at a conversational pace three or four times a week, usually socially, maybe four miles at a time. It’s absolutely a hobby to me. But I didn’t really start until I was 40 so maybe I treat it differently compared to someone who’s made it a habit for decades.
Hiking and rock climbing are absolutely hobbies almost all of the time.
The gym isn’t always a hobby…it really depends how into it you are. It’s kind of the line between hiking and walking…walking is odd to call a hobby but hiking isn’t and the way people can gym is either. Likewise, there have been times in my life were certain instances of hiking are just exercise.
Hot Yoga seems like something this is purely exercise/routine/etc. and not sure how it could be a hobby but I could also be ignorant of aspects of it.
It can be a hobby if you’re experimenting.
Not the way I do it, but if you’re taking notes and watching video, it’s definitely a hobby.
Yeah, I would say more of an… interest. I do miss it when I don’t do it though.
Congratulations on being wired to enjoy a chore.
However… yeah, sounds like your sample gives you an idea how most people look at it.
Absolutely. A hobby is a mindset. Eating isn’t a hobby, but being a foodie often counts. Handwriting isn’t a hobby, but calligraphy often counts. Watching TV isn’t a hobby, but being a sports fan counts. Conversely, traversing mountains is a hobby among most, but it’s a day job for mountain tour guides. Hunting wasn’t a hobby for our ancestors, but it is now.
Things most people don’t do everyday are hobbies by default. Things people do everyday can be hobbies if you invest lots of time and energy into them.
I definitely would consider it a hobby for me since it’s something I intrinsically value and look forward to doing. I think that’s enough to consider something a hobby.
People responding to your post is similar to your data set of asking three guys – you’re going to get a mix of answers.
My perspective, if you enjoy it and consider it a hobby then it’s a hobby. If others don’t agree then who cares.
It depends why you do them. If its to “work out” and you hate doing it otherwise, it probably isnt a hobby.
If a genie came along and granted you peak fitness and you never need to work out again, would you still do those activities? If so its prob a hobby as you enjoy it outside of necessity.
For example i love training martial arts. Some of it is for fitness, alot of it is passion.
Definitely a hobby. I like bring outside. Hiking, cycling, running, board sports. “an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.”
I consider trail running and ultra racing a hobby. Going to the gym, not so much.
I consider working out a chore.
I consider running to be a hobby.
Anyone who gets sober does…
I’d consider it a hobby but also like part of your normal life and not just something you do on the side.
I don’t
I really enjoy exercising, but I don’t spend hours watching videos on exercise like I do woodworking.
Nope, just something I do.
It’s maintenance for me. I don’t consider it a hobby because I don’t really want to do, but it’s necessary. Like changing oil or unclogging the drain. Has to be done for things to function properly. I do have sports and other activities like dancing that are active that I would consider hobbies, but weights and yoga are must-do items for me.
Yes. If it’s a thing you do in your free time for your own enjoyment, then it’s a hobby.
It can be, but isn’t always.
Doing things you like is a hobby. If you like the gym, then it’s a hobby.
Yes. Haha indeed.
Working out to me, is work. It’s not fun, it’s not a hobby. I rather not do it. So I treat it as work (I HAVE to do it). Because if I treat it as a hobby, then I can get away with “eh I don’t feel like working out today”. I work out 5 days a week minimum (monday-friday. Sometimes on weekends as an addition to the work week). I also walk both my dogs 5 miles a day and get played with when I WFH (again seen as work because doggo need exercise too. But they think its fun)
The only exercise I see as fun is hiking and mountain biking.
if you enjoy it sure it could be your hobby. some people just workout for health and looks reason and find it not fun and enojoyable but you have to. lifting and martial arts are my most consistent workout. I don’t enjoy lifting but I have to. muay thai/boxing/bjj would be my hobby that lets me workout.
It’s more along the lines of self care in my opinion. But for me it has become an obsession. A healthy one, but still an obsession.
No, I consider hobbies to be fun. I would consider it part of my job as a living being to ‘work out’.
It’s probably my biggest hobby.
I’m trying to work my way up to being a workout hobbyist. The 2 days a week that I’m currently at doesn’t feel like enough to justify the title
Yes and no
Lifestyle.
I consider gym (lifting weights + cardio) a normal routine, body maintenance sort of, just like how you eat and sleep. Hiking and climbing, I consider that a hobby.
Just my view in relation to the exercises I do:
Touch/tag rugby: Yes
Ultimate frisbee: Yes
Jogging: No
Snorkeling: Yes
Pickleball: Yes
Yoga: No
Gym: No
Hiking: Yes
It depends on the company.
With the right people HELL YEA. It becomes leisure.
With insecure, neurotic non fun havers…. ugh.
And I do it alone to keep my sexy abs POPPIN. A chore tbh.
It used to be for me because I had a lot more focus on getting stronger and looking a certain way. Now it’s become an accessory/chore to improve my general health and aid performance in my sports of Jiujitsu and Cycling which I consider my hobbies.
If you’re boring it can be.
Since you brought it up in your original post – Hiking, yes that’s a hobby I enjoy doing, and while it is “exercise” I don’t see it on the same level as the gym.
Hiking is something I’m excited to go do, I look forward to it, I enjoy it, it gets me outdoors, in the mountains, on the mountains. It’s quite literally a breath of fresh air and slow down of the daily grind. This to me this is the same general idea as most of my other hobbies. Yes they all involve putting in work of various degrees, but it’s not work, instead it’s enjoyment, it’s a break from the daily grind the daily stresses and routines.
The gym is work. It’s paying the rent. It’s not something I want to do – it’s something I have to do. It’s part of the daily grind, the daily routine. It’s not the slow down or the relaxation that my hobbies provide.
A hobby is a leisure activity. Leisure is something that exists solely for itself. So…maybe?
Like most hobbies, yes, but I don’t want to hear other people talk about it unless I’m actively engaged in that activity. Even then, probably not, because my workout playlist is awesome.
For me it is a hobby because I enjoy it, but it is also essential. I have a LOT of energy and I get kind of uneasy if I don’t expend it. I also get ornery if I don expend it.
I’ve been working out consistently since college that it became part of my daily routine so I don’t see it as a hobby.
Yes, if you enjoy it.
It keeps me grounded, helps my mentally and physically. Sometimes it’s not the most fun but I do need it.
Sometimes it’s a chore and other times it’s a hobby. I think if you find a good workout buddy then it can be a solid hobby
It depends how you define hobby. Since running isn’t job-related and is something I spend money and time on, I consider it a hobby.
No, but I only do it to stay in decent shape – different story if you’re serious, love it or into body building.
I do not. I hate working out honestly. I only do it for the staying in shape. And I’m lazy to do that much as im not in shape.
Those specifically are imo cause they require self improvement, new goals, new locations sometimes, etc, as for working out can also mean going to the gym once a week and halfassing it for an hour.
Not personally for me it’s maintenance
If you do it as a hobby yes. If not then no. Most hobbies can also be a profession and many of the people in those professions hate doing them. For me the definition is ” i like to do this” vs “i have to do this”
Yeah
Who the hell cares? What they consider a hobby. What you do consider a hobby
Do you throughly enjoy it and seek it out. Is it a dopamine hit? If so Hobby! If not then it’s just a routine and nothing special.
If you enjoy it, yes. If you don’t, no.
Never.
There was a time when I was a gym rat. I worked out 6 days a week.
It was never a hobby. It was simply something done to stay in shape and kill time. I hated it.
Definitely a hobby for me! I really love it
Majority rules in your Haha land.
I don’t consider lifting weights or yoga as hobbies, but rock climbing and hiking i do consider as hobbies.
Sort of. It’s more like work for me.
To me, “work” is the thing which you feel makes the best use of your creative and productive powers, and towards which you feel some sense of duty. As opposed to a “job” which is just whatever makes you money.
A “hobby” is also something which you feel makes the best use of your creative and productive powers – but you feel no sense of duty towards it.
I feel a sense of duty towards keeping myself as healthy and useful as possible, both for my own sake and that of my friends and family, and society in general (so I don’t become a burden).
Yes… in the same way as cooking.
Is grilling a hobby? Smoking meat? Craft pizza making? vs a bowl of cereal?
Once you start to alter a routine, spice it up, experiment, and aim for results, it becomes a hobby.
I could see the gym as maintenance for your hobbies. But definitely would consider yoga, hiking, and rock climbing hobbies.
Hobbies don’t all have to be some old man, obsessed with WW2 status.
If you stop these activity, however momentarily, and start itching to get back into it as your day/mental health is out of check, then it’s part of your lifestyle. Not just a hobby
No. But my sports hobbies yes. Like basketball and such. Hobbies are like a mental thing but working out is just going down a checklist. It’s not a mental activity at all
Sure, it can be. Some people really enjoy working out and are really into it. I do because I’ve been in great shape and in pretty bad shape a couple times in my life, and both my physical and mental health suffered when I was out of shape. I do it for life quality and self preservation.
To answer your title question; there could be worse hobbies. Yes it’s a hobby, way of life, personal prayer time, meditation time… It’s whatever you call it so you keep doing it
Yup. Though I doubt I’ll ever stop.
doing activities to keep fit is 1000000p a hobby
Well, it’s not a job and not a life requirement…so, ya, a hobby.
For some. Its a chore for me. I dont particularly enjoy it, but its important.
Similar to how I like cooking. Its a hobby. But some hate cooking, but still do it as they like eating food and buying take out constantly is usually a bad idea
In the same way that I consider brushing my teeth, sleeping well, and eat healthy hobbies.
Some parts of it I do consider a hobby-
Lifting weights and mountainbiking are definitely hobbies for me – running either outside or on a threadmill or doing cardio on a exercise bike at the gym on the other hand are more or less chores I don’t enjoy but I get done anyway.
Those are hobbies unless you are getting income, then they are your profession. What else would they be? Your religion?
Yes but I do powerlifting meets once or twice a year so that definitely makes it more of a hobby
Absolutely, which is why I don’t begrudge people who aren’t in shape for not being fit. I do it because I like it, and recognize that sticking to a fitness routine must be challenging for those that don’t.
No. It’s like eating. Or pooping. Or brushing your teeth. It’s a thing you have to do to be healthy.
Fortunately, you can pick just about anything that requires moving and it’ll keep you healthy enough to live.
I would say hiking. Yoga. Rock climbing are hobbies.
Working out is just what you gotta do.
I consider it like hygiene but unfortunately seen as a hobby
I think it depends if you’re doing them because you enjoy them or if you’re doing them strictly for fitness
Fitness is a hobby
It really depends on how and why you do it. Some people get little joy from the activity and only do it for the results. For people like them it isn’t a hobby.
I was talking to a coworker today who coaches wrestling part time and she called it a hobby. I think there are lots of ways to conceptualize or categorize how you spend your time. After all, we all have this saying: “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
It is for me
For some people it is. For some it’s just something they don’t actually enjoy but do to stay healthy
I say if you do it for some kind of satisfaction, routinely, without payment, it’s a hobby.
If you guys get to say working out is a hobby I get to say drinking is mine
Certainly hope so.
I don’t think it’s a hobby. I think exercise is a necessity. Necessity can be relaxing though.
Yes of course they’re hobbies 🙂
Especially if you’re super serious about them.
Mmmh not really
I consider hobbies as things that I genuinely enjoy doing
I don’t hate working out, but if I could magically get the results without the work, I wouldn’t do it
As opposed to something like hiking: if you offered me to be teleported at the top of the mountain, I would say no, because I enjoy the journey
Yes, absolutely.
At this point it’s more of an obligation than any job i’ll ever have. Closing in on 19 years…
No. Sports are a different story. I genuinely like to play sports. But I strictly workout so I can better myself for the dating pool and for my mental. In all honesty, that’s the only reason. I consider it working, but working on myself. An investment.
With that combination, I would call you a fitness enthusiast lol
Id you’re putting in the time to figure out how to do all of that better, try new trails, and press yourself,tl I would say it is at least a hobby.
A hobby is something you enjoy, I don’t enjoy working out but I love the results it produces.
working out isnt a hobby. working out is something you do to keep yourself healthy.
playing with cars and southern style BBQ is a hobby.
If video games can be, I don’t see why their antithesis can’t.
(For the record I’m a fat lazy gamer.)
No. I do hobbies for fun. Working out is an irritating and onerous chore that has to be done (or not, because most of the time I can’t be bothered).
I think it is. People don’t have to lift weights or play sports or do yoga.
I do think the people who don’t find it to be a hobby just don’t enjoy working out. Which is hard for me to wrap my head around personally since my body and mind feel so good during and after. But you have people in the comment calling it a chore. I guess to them it feels like they are forced to do rather than something they enjoy.
i guess it is a hobby which is something you do outside of work in your spare time but those who take it seriously it then becomes a lifestyle towards a health conscious path for the mind and body.
Yes
Depends on the workout IMO.
I run 3x per week, climb 2x per week and go kayaking once a week.
Climbing and kayaking are definitely my hobbies. My running is pure exercise and nothing more, it’s a minimum requirement for staying healthy rather than a hobby for me.
I would say working out is part hobby/part self-maintenance.
Gotta keep yourself at least a little bit fit, especially as you age, to be spry still when you are older.
I have actually read a lot about the science of aging well physically, and staying at least in decent shape with a good amount of strength/muscle mass as you age makes a huge difference for how you will get through your later years physically. And the act of working out helps keep the bones/ligaments strong.
A healthy diet of mainly whole foods is very helpful as well.
Not that I am perfect when it comes to both of these things, but I try to at least be good about them most of the time, and it is something I will stick to for the sake of not being a cripple when I do finally get “old”.
Being physically fit and active is also obviously good for the mind as well.
My wife does, I don’t.
I don’t go to the gym because I enjoy it, I go because it’s good for me.
Most of the time I actively dislike working out. Unfortunately the mental and physical benefits are just too important.
Not anymore. But is pleasure punishment and small price to pay for being healthy and happy.
Did my first blood test after 20 years I’m 46 and all was very good. I don’t have diet and enjoying alcohol in moderation. Workout about 3 to 5 hours a week and have above average athletic body build.
No it is a non negotiable chore, i feel alot better after i do it but after a 12 hour work day and everything else the last thing i want to do is move weight around for 45 minutes.
I would rather that then get my wallet taken off of me in front of my girlfriend and be helpless
I don’t consider it a hobby either, it is part of my daily routine like working and eating. I like the gym, but I’ll skip if needed (exhausting day at work or whatever other valid reason).
No, I consider it an annoying tedious chore that I have to do to maintain my body.
I don’t enjoy it at all and I have to force myself.
I wish I did enjoy it, would make it easier
Depends.
Going to the gym for an hour workout a few times a week? No.
Going bouldering for 2-3 hours one or few times a week? Yes.
It depends on the goal. For most, it’s a combination of both. Take being healthy. If you’re doing what you enjoy most, to stay healthy, it is very likely not the most effective option. It’s more then about a hobby than being healthy. On the other hand, if you’re doing what you do for the end goal of being healthy,, and would switch to whatever the science says is best, that’s not a hobby, but life maintenance
It’s a necessity..
But I can understand if people do it because they get joy out of it
If it brings you joy and satisfaction, then yes.
I don’t, but I can easily see how a lot of people would.
I don’t do it because I want to hit new personal bests or anything. I do it because I’m overweight and I’d like to stave off the inevitable decay of my body.
It was for me when I was in my late teens and 20s. I had a lot of free time and energy. Now I workout because my health improves. If I didn’t have to, I wouldn’t.
Definitely its a health care chore and not a hobby for me. I understand the necessity of working out to keep myself fit but I personaly dont like it.
If I could stay healthy sitting at a couch or doing my real hobbies than id never work out ever again. ( I like jogging and swimming tho :x)
Exercise is a great hobby, be it yoga, running, weightlifting.
Tho I admit that personally I don’t exercise, I train. Train for what? Lifting heavier shit.
I’ve considered working out a form of basic hygiene for the past 15 or so years. You can game-ify it to make it a little more fun, but in the end it’s more like brushing your teeth, taking regular showers, eating decent food, sleeping well, etc.
Additionally, my wife is a PTA, with her insight I’ve started to learn over the years you can really tailor weight training in specific ways to help correct muscular imbalances that are contributing to persistent or chronic joint or muscle pain, which tend to get worse as you get older, especially if not addressed.
It depends on how big of a thing it is for you. Taking some push-ups in the morning is not a hobby.
That’s a good question. I don’t have to do it, but it has positive benefits. I don’t even know the requirements to classify something as a hobby, lol. I guess it’s a hobby? Maybe it’s something different, like you’ve got work, you’ve got chores, you’ve got hobbies, and you’ve got sports/exercise.
Health/hobby
I think it is, if you enjoy it. Everyone approaches it at a different level of enthusiasm. You can spend as much or as little time and money doing it as you like.
What is the definition of a Hobby?
“an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure”
So working out only is excluded if you hate it.