Although it really makes little sense, the turning of a new year seems to inspire people to try new things, better themselves and explore new horizons. Its cheesy; but its good mantra to have.
Rather than wasting your time on the same hobby or pastime you’ve always known, why not use the new year as an excuse to step out of your comfort zone and try something a little different. After all, ‘you only live once’…
Clandestine Cake Club
I think it’s safe to say the Great British Bakeoff has inspired a generation of wannabe bakers (emphasis on the wannabe). Mary Berry may be able to make three-tiered, mirror glazed cakes without breaking a sweat, but we aren’t all superhuman. Rather than spending £20 on ingredients for it to turn into warm slime, join the Clandestine Cake Club in Manchester and learn how the masters do it. Attend weekly classes and learn how to make all your favourite cakes whilst making some new friends while you’re at it. Piece of cake!
Twerking
You’ve heard the expression, shake what ya momma gave ya, but imagine if you could actually do it without pulling a muscle or hurting someone? It’s a known fact that a few tequilas down, we all transform into slightly-less talented Beyoncé (emphasis on slightly). But wouldn’t you love to be able to drop-it- like- its- hot, like a pro? I know I would! Bodybarre studio in Northern Quarter hold weekly twerking workshops, to teach you how to shake your booty like the twerk-sperts. Costing only £5 a class, it’s a fun, energetic and super cheap hobby to take up in the new year that will help you lose weight and improve your dancing skills.
http://www.bodybarre.co.uk/about/
Street Photography Workshop
It’s only a one-day thing, but street photography is something you could continue in your own time. Keith Moss’s street photography workshop in Northern Quarter is an opportunity to see Manchester the way you’ve never seen it before- through a lens. Learn how to identify photographic opportunities and master the art of capturing the essence of a scene through one click of your finger. The workshop is being held in Northern Quarter on Saturday the 20th January and will run from 10am till 4pm. It’ll cost you £195, which may seem a little steep, but can you really put a price tag on a lifetime of memories?
Pole Dancing
Whilst most people associate pole dancing with strippers and exotic dancers, I have experienced it first hand and can honestly say it is a very, very challenging sport. Pole dancing may have a sexy exterior, but it’s a vigorous, full body workout that is guaranteed to push you and your strength to the absolute limits. If you’re looking for a sport that’ll help you lose weight and tone up, pole dancing is arguably better than any workout you’d have in a gym… and what’s more, its crazy fun! You might not be able to walk or move your arms for a week after your first class, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you build up core strength in just a couple of weeks. And hey, if you do decide to debut your new talent to paying customers, at least you’ll make some money from it!
Learn a language
In an age where travelling is common and people from all corners of the earth live together, learning another language or two would certainly come in handy. Whether you’d like to brush on some French before your road trip in the summer or would just like to add another skill to your CV, learning a language is an excellent and highly rewarding hobby to take up in the new year. You can attend group or private classes, or can even do your learning online if you’re a little strapped for time. Either way, embracing a new culture will certainly make your year a little brighter.
https://www.languagecoursesuk.co.uk/uk-locations/manchester/
Salsa Dancing
Whether you’re born with natural rhythm or have two left feet like me, dancing is still one of the most enjoyable pastimes around. From booty-shaking at pre-drinks to dance offs with complete strangers on a night out, dancing is something we all do and love. However, have you ever wondered how good you could be with the help of a trained expert? Last year, my cousin and I decided to take salsa classes in Manchester for what was, at first, just a laugh. But after a single class, we fell in love with the sexiness and intimacy of Salsa and became quite passionate to say the least! We weren’t by any means, ‘good dancers’, but we certainly learned how to move our bodies in ways we never thought possible! So, if you just fancy dropping in for a group class now and again, or would like to adopt it as a hobby, Salsa is definitely something you’ll come to love.
Jump Nation
I don’t know about you, but I really struggle to hit the gym as much as I’d like because, I find it repetitive and painfully boring. I’m sure I’m not alone in my thoughts… That being said, finding a sport that is both physically beneficial and fun is really difficult; but I might just have what you’ve been looking for. Jump Nation at Trafford Park is essentially a giant room full of trampolines! Fun right? Well, Jump Nation holds weekly fitness classes that are designed to burn serious calories whilst leaving one hell of a smile on your face. Whether you go alone or with some friends, it’s certainly a hobby you won’t get bored of anytime soon.
