In case you missed it see what’s in this section
Swimming
About
From young to old, swimming attracts a whole range of participants and is the perfect sport if you're hoping to exercise, keep fit and maintain your fitness levels in the New Year.
What are the benefits?
Swimming is one of the most effective forms of exercise, not only does it tone the body but it helps to build up stamina and aids relaxation.
Where to start?
Whether you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a leisurely paddle, a fun aqua aerobics class, or a dedicated swimming club, click here to discover all of Manchester's water-based activites.
Football
About
Football is one of the most popular past times in the world - who doesn't love a kick about with their friends?
What are the benefits?
Football can be enjoyed by all ages and used to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Where to start?
For a full list of football coaches in Manchester click here.
Cookery
About
Improving at home is one of the main reasons why cookery is such a popular pastime. Some people cook for enjoyment while others love the thrill of attempting a new dish that they've seen on TV or in a magazine.
What are the benefits?
Cooking is a reward in itself. The end result is made even more satisfying when others get to enjoy the dishes that you've created.
Where to start
Learning to cook really is as simple as following a recipe book or watching a cookery show. If you want to learn from an expert, click here for full listings of cookery workshops in Manchester.
Learn A Language
About
Learn to express yourself fluently and confidently in foreign language. As well as developing your speaking, listening and reading skills, learning a new language will extend your qualifications and boost your brain power.
What are the benefits?
Having another language under your belt can open up career opportunities in both in this country and abroad, as well as improve your travel prospects.
Where to start?
Whether your aim is to learn a new language, improve your existing communication skills or further your career, there are plenty of colleges and schools in Manchester that offer part-time study options for you to choose from.
Tennis
About
If you’ve never played tennis before, don’t be afraid to try it out. It's a fun, energetic, and easy way to keep fit with family and friends.
What are the benefits?
Tennis is incredibly popular sport because it can be played at nearly any age and at any skill level. Benefits include decreasing your risk of heart disease, enhancing your flexibility, improving coordination and boosting your brain power.
Where to start?
Whether you're an improver, intermediate or advanced level player, there are indoor and outdoor courts available to hire, 7 days a week in Manchester, click here to find out more.
Running
About
Running is one of the cheapest sports to take up and you can literally do it anywhere, anytime, meaning that even if you're super-busy can still fit it around your hectic schedule.
What are the benefits?
Running can have a range of benefits on your health it can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve your cardiovascular system, elevate moods and lower stress.
Where to start
If you’ve not been active for a while, you may want to build your fitness levels before you move on to running. Running clubs are the best ways to get yourself motivated click here for Manchester's definitive list of running clubs.
Cycling
About
For people who have always enjoyed bike riding, taking the sport up a level by using road cycles and doing longer rides can be a terrific hobby.
What are the benefits?
Cycling has some major health benefits and it's pretty cost effective too - after all, there’s no road tax, MOT or insurance to be paid.
Where to start
First things first, you're going to need a bike, we'd recommend buying a second hand cycle just in case this hobby isn't for you. We'd also advise checking out Sustrans - their site is home to a fantastic supply of local cycle routes and hints and tips for getting started.
Gardening
About
Gardening is a relaxing year-round hobby that can be enjoyed by people from any age group.
What are the benefits?
Recent studies have found that the benefits of gardening extend far beyond the obvious rewards of exercise and fresh air. Gardening can help improve your mental and physical health as well as improve your sleep patterns.
Where to start
Make sure you have all the basics covered, from good soil to the right plants - brush up on your facts before you go getting your hands dirty.
Dancing
About
Dance lessons are a superb way to keep fit and have fun at the same time. If you're looking to boost your self-esteem and confidence in the New Year, it's time to dig out your dancing shoes and bust a move.
What are the benefits?
Dancing enables you to keep healthy, socialise and develop your creative skills.
Where to start?
Click here to find courses for adults and young people of all abilities in Manchester.
Golf
About
For some golf is a fun pastime, while for others it's an occasional hobby, whatever your reason for playing, there's no denying that golf is fantastic sport for men, women and children of all ages.
What are the benefits?
Contrary to popular belief, golf has significant health and wellness benefits. According to the experts, golf helps you stay active, reduces stress and burns in excess of 800 calories per round.
Where to start?
This is why Manchester is home to a great number of golfing venues, from the fun and family friendly 'crazy golf', to the skillful and testing 18-hole courses. Click here to find golf venues in and around Manchester.