5 Alternative Activities for Blokes in Melbourne

5 Alternative Activities for Blokes in Melbourne

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Posted 2012-08-13 by Wen Khoofollow
[SECTION]5 Alternative Activities a Bloke can do in Melbourne[/SECTION]

[ADVERT]Are you man enough to trade your visits to Bunnings, the local pub, and your six pack (the beer, not the body) for a change?

On Saturday mornings, by the time some blokes are starting to nurse their hangover, others have already completed a visit to Bunnings, woofed down the $2 for a sausage bun in the name of charity, and are waiting for the clouds to part.


This is by no means stereotyping because you can see me in Bunnings on some weekends, but after seeing three brave men in my gym class last month, I thought I would put a fair challenge to Melbourne blokes out there.

[SECTION]1) Sign up for a Body Pump or Body Combat Class[/SECTION]

Banish those antiquated thoughts of Jane Fonda in her spandex and hail in the Body Pump or Body Combat classes now prevalent in many gyms around Melbourne. The Fitness First classes I attended features a 55 minute full cardio and toning workout to the tune of double-quick dance tunes. Body Combat gives you a burning workout of the pecs, biceps, and quads that you never thought you had, and Body Pump tones your newly found muscles to flex-worthiness. Although females remain the predominant gender, select a heavier weight for the bar and get ready to be talent-spotted for the next episode of Bondi Rescue.


For a single session, Fitness First gyms offers a free single day pass that allows you to try out all equipment and classes.

[SECTION]2) Learn to Bake your Own Bread or Pastries[/SECTION]


If sweating is not your style, learn to impress your next dinner date with your knowledge of making sourdoughs, brioches, and artisan bread. Brasserie Bread in South Melbourne offers a one day workshop on learning the art of making great breads for $150 each.

Pick from a range of workshops including Baking with Grains and Seeds, Gluten Free Baking, Baking with Brioche, and The Art of Sourdough. Depending on the course, you will learn how to mix, mould, shape, ferment, and bake your next loaf. As a bonus, the Melbourne outlet offers free Saturday Kids Baking Class (book early because those sessions fill up fast). Bring your own aprons, or borrow one from your mother, sister-in-law or partner.

[SECTION]3) Grab your Mates and Head for the Hot Springs[/SECTION]

Before I went to the Peninsular Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula, I had the impression that it was a spa with a big tub of hot water. It turned out better than I thought, closer to a relaxed version of a water adventure park, sans screams and splashes on your face.


There are 20 different pools to indulge in, each offering a slightly different temperature and environment. It is certainly tempting to jump into the first pool you see, but head uphill to the pool on the hill where there is a warmer pool and the best views.

For those in need of a literal man cave, there is a pool just suited for that purpose, and if there is any difficulty sharing a spot with ten topless blokes and wondering where to look, just close your eyes, relax and pretend you are in your favourite pub on a Friday night.

Perfect for a winter soak, the bathhouse opens from 7.30am to 10pm everyday.

[SECTION]4) Buy a Potted Orchid and Watch it Bloom Through Winter[/SECTION]

Grow a potted plant without compromising your manliness. Some of my girlfriends, including myself, have grown hyacinths, tulips and daffodils simply because it is often a pretty sight to behold in spring. The fragrance is heavenly, and squeal worthy when other female guests turn up.

The Phalaenopsis is the orchid du jour for a stylish touch to your home. The solitary stem (or two) springs up amongst a couple of alternating fleshy leaves, followed by a group of flowers distributed neatly along the stem. Needing just indirect sunlight and perfect for a home plant, it only requires watering once a week on a well-drained potting mix.

So the next time you head down to your local nursery or any good florist, bring one of these pots home and it will keep you in good company during those cold winter nights.



[SECTION]5) Round up your Mates for a Cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate[/SECTION]

There's nothing like a cup of hot chocolate to beat those winter blues - and there's nothing better than not having to brave the winter chill in exchange for a hot cuppa. Save the wine for spring; bring out the lazy PJs and a good book (or mate), and drink to a good night's sleep.

There was a time when a friend and I tried almost all the hot chocolate mixes available in the supermarket. We tried the assuring brand names like Cadbury and Lindt, fancier blends like Jarrah, and the humble Milo. The verdict was quite simple - an innocuous tin of good European style cocoa powder without loads of added sugar (common in a lot of brands). The Nestle Alpen Blend Drinking Chocolate got a few votes, and the price gives it a run for its money. Heat up a cup of milk, add the powder and sugar to taste, and it is the best homemade chocolate you can have.





(Disclaimer: If all else fails, press the reset button and head for the local pub!)

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125394 - 2023-06-13 02:27:22

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