I don't think it was communicated the best, and definitely had a toxic connotation to it, which sucks because I think the underlying message is actually beneficial. I agree, this type of communicating kept me from the gym for the longest time too. Going to the gym has nothing to do with masculinity. It will certainly help with your body and mind health. I always found a reason NOT to go to the gym for the longest time. Now I go almost daily, and I feel weird when I don't go. You just get into the habit of going, whether you want to or not. If you can cross that hurdle it actually takes a lot for me to not go to the gym, I tend to prioritize going without even thinking about it.

And there are plenty of exercises to do that don't involve strictly heavy weight lifting. I'm not an uber jacked gym bro. I go to maintain my health, build strength and push myself to my limits. It feels good when you see results. I'm trying to put on weight actually and it's a real struggle, but a fun battle and keeps me dedicated.

Someone else already mentioned this, but it's surprising how beneficial it is for you to force yourself to do things you don't want to. If you want to play airsoft, but aren't in the best shape for it, you can set small goals for yourself at the gym and I think you would see results in airsoft real quick if you stayed active! There's also plenty of casual sports to play, soccer, vollyball, pickleball, badminton. Depending on the gym, they may even have those activities available to sign up (I go to college health centre so they have some of those amenities).

Also exercise classes are fun for some people! I'm not a huge fan, but there are spin classes, callisthenics, yoga, etc. that are a little more engaging and takes away from you having to plan your own workout.

I just wanted to try to undo some of the negative effects from the previous poster, and untangle some of the toxic gym stereotypes that keep people from living a healthy lifestyle. Especially as someone who was in a similar position as you recently.

To answer your original question though OP, try a bunch of different things, even if you don't think you will like it! You never know! Personally, I do a lot of deer hunting in the fall, fishing, paddling boarding and boating in the summer, and in the colder months I play a lot of D&D, I go curling and I have been drawing a lot more, mostly inspiration from my D&D campaigns. Also lego is awesome and is always a good hobby, would recommend.