health and fitness – The Activity People Blog

Introducing High Ropes Cribbs Causeway

Are you ready to take your adrenaline levels to new heights? Then hold on tight because High Ropes Cribbs Causeway is home to one of the most challenging aerial assault courses in the country! That’s right, our exciting new venue is the perfect place to find out how brave you really are – but whatever you do just don’t look down!

Standing at over 30ft tall these epic obstacles combine fun and fear like nothing else, and trust us jumping, swinging and climbing your way round this colossal course guarantees you the adventure of a lifetime. Even if you’ve not naturally got a head for heights we promise you’ll love every second you’re in the air, and nothing comes close to the feeling of conquering this notoriously challenging course.

With giant climbing walls, towering totem poles and even the dreaded leap of faith to complete, there’s obstacles aplenty at High Ropes Cribbs Causeway, and you’ll even find Bristol’s only 3G swing to tackle too! You won’t be on your own though, with a team of qualified instructors watching on you’ll receive all the expert advice you need to overcome any obstacle.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement you can even add more activities to your high ropes experience.So if you’re a real adrenaline addict why not make the most of this brilliant multi-activity venue and add an archery, axe throwing or a survival experience to your day. To find out more about what High Ropes Cribbs Causeway has to offer visit The Activity People website today.

Introducing Indoor Climbing in Brighton

We hope you’ve got a head for heights, because our latest new venue gives you the chance to conquer a climbing wall! So if you’ve always dreamt of scaling a rock face there’s nowhere better than Indoor Climbing Brighton to take on a climbing challenge.

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Boasting 14 roped climbs and over 40 different graded climbing routes, this incredible climbing venue caters for climbers of all abilities – and you can even try your hand at abseiling! So whether you’re completely new to climbing, or a regular on the rock, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to take your climbing skills to the next level. With expert instructors to call on too, you’ll receive all the advice and reassurance you need as you leave the safety of solid ground and work your way to the top of the rock.

Believe it or not, there’s more to this venue than the enormous wall, and Indoor Climbing Brighton is also home to a plethora of first class facilities including; parking, showers, refreshments and changing rooms. With everything under one roof Indoor Climbing Brighton is the perfect place for a party, and with tailor-made party packages to choose from there’s nowhere better for children aged 6+ to celebrate in style.

So why not take on the ultimate challenge and find out if you’ve got what it takes to conquer a climbing wall? To find out more about Indoor Climbing Brighton visit our website.

Introducing Kitesurfing in Scarborough and Redcar

If you want an adrenaline rush that will really put the wind in your sails, then you will certainly love taking part in our one of a kind Kitesurfing experiences in Scarborough and Redcar. When you head out for high speed fun in the sea, you’ll see exactly why this is one of the best extreme water sports around.

Here, you’ll be getting expert tuition from Mike, a tutor who has long been travelling around the world in search of the best kitesurfing locations, until he settled down and opened his kite surfing school. He thinks there is nowhere better to take part than the North of England and you’ll soon be seeing why. You’ll be using only the best surfing equipment, so expect high octane thrills.

For kite surfers travelling from further afield, Mike’s wife runs a luxury hostel above the school, which has the perfect atmosphere. With a modern design, picturesque views and plenty of other reasons to visit, including a BBQ for all guests on the hottest days, there is nowhere better to stay by the seaside.

For more details and bookings visit our website

Welcome Indoor Climbing Ware!

We’re excited to announce the latest addition to The Activity People network is Indoor Climbing Ware!

climbing-wall-1-370x320 Located within easy reach of London, this incredible indoor climbing venue caters for climbers of all abilities. So whether you’re a regular rock climber looking to fine tune your technique, or a rock climbing rookie experiencing climbing for the first time, there’s nowhere better to conquer some seriously challenging climbs.

The impressive 8.5 meter wall boasts a whole host of climbing routes, as well as modern harnesses and an auto-belay system that guarantees your safety at all times. With a huge variety of lifelike grips and moulds to cling on to too, you’ll genuinely believe you’re conquering a real life rock face.

So if you’re aged 4+ get ready to take your adrenalin levels to new heights!

To find out more about our Ware rock climbing venue visit our website.

Introducing bubble football in Bradford, Burnley, Stoke and Liverpool

With just a couple of days until the start of Euro 2016 we’re excited to unveil our latest signings: Bradford, Burnley, Stoke and Liverpool!

The domestic football season may be over, but with four brand new Bubble Football venues on The Activity People network, there’s no better time to get to grips with this bonkers ball sport. All four venues boast artificial 3G pitches too, which means not even the rain can spoil your fun.

So if you’re looking for fun, frantic, footy themed stag, hen, birthday or team building event visit our website to find out more.

Bernie’s Travel Log: 500km of Wet and Wild Windsurfing

Here at Activity HQ we don’t just sell the most adrenalin fuelled activities, we also take part in them, and as we speak, one of our directors is windsurfing 500km down the northern coast of Brazil! Bernie is one of 14 windsurfers from around the world making the epic journey from Fortaleza and we’ll have regular updates of their progress throughout the week, starting with a summary of day one from Bernie’s travel diary.

Day 1: Fortaleza

Day one was epic! My best single run being a 10km blast taking just 20mins before gybing 2.5km out to sea. Lots of big ships in the way! The wind direction was perfect for long runs near parallel to the coast.

There were problems though, logistical issues beset the first day meaning we set off 3 hours later than planned, thus missing the best wind (my 10km run would no doubt have taken a lot less than 15 minutes in the earlier stronger winds). The alarm on a bridge was set off when sailing under it because the tide was higher than planned, mast contact meant a wobbly ride for one of the team but all good.

The late start meant a night time finish (flashing lights on buoyancy jackets proved their worth) for some. Missing the low tide meant a number of trashings in the shore dump for a number of the team. Including the rather uncomfortable 10 minutes (felt significantly longer as most of it was under water) I spent being rolled whilst trying to protect my kit before finally being dumped on the beach 500 metres downwind. A combination of big dumping waves, low wind (which is always significantly lower in the impact zone), and a sail not designed for a wave environment led to a tricky water start being impossible.

A lot of lessons learnt, not the least being set off early. Today is windier, if we catch the early low tide we’ll be 60 kms down the coast at our next stop in no time.

For the most up to date information on Bernie’s progress head over to our Facebook and Twitter accounts or follow his GPS tracker labelled Activity HQ by following this link.

White water rafting: Six handy tips

1. Be prepared to get wet! – You’re in for a soaking so wear swimwear, take a towel and pack a spare set of clothes to change into.

2. Make sure your boat is well balanced. – Balancing the boat is essential, people of similar weight and paddling power should be positioned opposite each other.

3. Communicate with your team. – When you’re racing down fast flowing stretches of white water simple communication is key. Establishing a basic set of commands will mean you can quickly relay instructions as you meet obstacles head on.

4. Make sure you’re holding your paddle properly. – Holding your paddle correctly is key for safety. One hand should be at the base of the paddle and the other should be over the T shaped grip at the top. Keeping your hand over the T grip will not only help you control the paddle, it will also cushion the blow should you accidentally catch yourself with the paddle.

5. Fully submerge the blade of the paddle – Improving your paddling technique will give you more purchase as you fight the fast flowing water. Submerging the blade of the paddle is a much more efficient way of paddling.

6. Try and stay in the raft – It sounds obvious doesn’t it but it’s easier said than done. Hold on tight and try to keep your balance by leaning towards the centre of the boat.

Plan to Be Active for World Health Day

On 7 April, people all over the globe celebrate World Health Day, but if puffed rice cakes have taught us anything, it’s that healthy doesn’t always equal fun.

But there are plenty of ways to have a blast while burning that unwanted bulk. That’s why The Activity People have put our heads together to produce a list of activities guaranteed to make both you and your ticker exceedingly happy.

1. Combat Sports

You don’t have to fighting fit to play paintball, airsoft or laser combat. They’re fun sports that are accessible to the majority of people. But the best thing about combat sports is you’ll be getting a nice little workout without even realising it. While you’re busy playing soldier and dodging enemy fire, you’ll benefit from a great cardio workout. Plus with so much emphasis on planning and strategy you’ll be training your brain too.

2. Water Sports

For full body fitness mixed with pure exhilaration our range of water sports experiences are hard to beat. Choose from surfing, wakeboarding, wind surfing and many more. Water sports promote balance, skill and general fitness. You’re guaranteed to have a blast and flex those muscles (not least when climbing back on the board every time you fall off).

3. Climbing Sports

Like water sports, climbing will work all of your major muscle groups as well as some you might not have known were there. The Activity People offers indoor, outdoor and high rope climbing experiences all over the UK. Whether testing yourself against a purpose built climbing wall or a rocky cliff face overlooking spectacular views of the country, you’ll be flexing body and mind as you navigate your way to the peak.

These are just a few of the awesome activities you could get stuck into with the UK’s number 1 activity provider. For a list of all of the sports we offer and facilities nationwide which offer them, just visit our official site.

Pancake Day

Another year, another day of failed flips, batty ingredients and lovely sugary silliness.

That’s right, it’s Pancake Day people.

It’s the time that we hurriedly whip up these brilliantly simple little treats, then stuff our faces with them until we’re ready to hang up the pancake mix for another calender year.

The Activity People will be frenziedly frying up plenty of the globular goodies, because all of the awesome adrenaline and adventure sports actions makes us pretty hungry. But we don’t want you guys to miss out on all the fun, so here’s a selection of recipes for perfect pancakes. There’s something for everybody here.

Enjoy! And try not to make a mess.

Classic Pancakes

1 1/4 cups all-purpose white flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Preheat pancake griddle to medium heat, or about 320 degrees.

Whisk together dry ingredients in medium bowl.

Whisk together liquid ingredients in another bowl.

Whisk liquid into dry, just till combined.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto griddle. Let cook till bubbles appear, then flip and cook a minute or two longer, until golden.

Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes

Drain can of pineapple rings, reserving some of the liquid to replace liquid in your pancake recipe. Set a pineapple ring on the heated griddle. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of the ring, then ladle about 1/4 cup of pancake batter on the fruit and cook as directed.

Almond Pancakes

Substitute 1 teaspoon almond extract for vanilla.

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg with dry ingredients. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional). Once the pancake batter is poured onto the griddle, drop on small sliced pieces of banana and continue cooking as usual.

Blueberry Pancakes

Gently stir about 1 cup of frozen blueberries into the batter.

Choc Chip Pancakes

Simply sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the uncooked side of each pancake; continue cooking as usual.

Corn Pancakes

Substitute 1/2 cup cornmeal for flour. Stir in a cup of frozen corn kernels into batter. Add some chili powder and drained, chopped green chilies.

Eggnog Pancakes

Substitute eggnog for the milk, and add a dash of ground nutmeg to dry ingredients.

Gingerbread Pancakes

Stir following spices into dry ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Substitute 4 tablespoons of molasses for the sugar in your usual recipe, but be sure to add it to the wet ingredients.

Ginger Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon dry ginger into dry ingredients. Sprinkle finely chopped crystallized ginger over uncooked side of each pancake and continue cooking as usual.

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest and 2 teaspoons poppy seeds into dry ingredients. Can also substitute 1/4 cup lemon juice for some of the liquid in the recipe.

Orange Cardamom Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom into dry ingredients. Can also substitute 1/4 cup orange juice for some of the liquid in the recipe.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat a non-stick griddle to medium heat.

Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

In a small bowl, microwave the buttermilk and milk to room temperature, about 20 seconds. Whisk in egg, butter, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry and whisk just until combined. (If batter becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or water.)

Pour batter by about 1/3 cup-fulls onto heated griddle. Cook 2-3 minutes, until bottoms are golden and tops begin bubbling. Flip pancakes and cook about one more minute, till golden.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup fresh OR frozen blueberries
Note: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to the batter.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sour cream, and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just till moistened. Fold in the blueberries gently.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto a prepared griddle. Turn when bubbles appear. Cook till golden brown. Serve with Blueberry Sauce (see recipe below).

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

1 1/4 rolled oats

1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1 cup flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla

In large mixing bowl, whisk together the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix just till combined.

Pour by 1/3 cupfuls onto heated griddle. Turn when bubbles form and cook about 1 minute longer.

Granola Pancakes

1 1/3 cup prepared granola

1 cup flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups sour cream OR plain or fruit yogurt of choice
2 eggs
1/4 cup cooking oil

Mix the first eight ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Batter will be lumpy.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about a minute or two, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

1 cup flour

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Combine the first four ingredients in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the remaining four ingredients. Blend into dry ingredients just till combined.

Drop batter by 2 tablespoonfuls onto a prepared griddle. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side till golden brown.

Rolled Lemon Swedish Pancakes

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
8 eggs
3 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
whipped cream, for serving with

In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar with the lemon peel; set aside.

In a bowl, combine flour, salt and remaining sugar. Beat eggs, milk and butter; mix well with dry ingredients. Pour batter by 1/2 cupfuls onto a prepared, hot griddle. Cook until set and golden brown. Turn and cook 1 minute more.

Immediately sprinkle each pancake with lemon sugar, then roll the pancakes up and keep them warm. Serve topped with whipped cream.

Bran Pancakes, or “BranCakes”

1 cup flour

1/2 cup wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
2 cups milk
(1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel, opt.)
1 cup bran cereal (such as All-Bran)

Stir together the first five ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg till foamy. Stir in orange peel and bran cereal. Let stand 2 minutes, to soften.

Add dry ingredients to cereal mixture and stir just till moistened.

Cook pancakes on a prepared skillet, turning once to brown both sides. Serve warm.

Cheesy Baked Puff Pancakes

6 eggs

1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup shredded cheddar or cheese of choice

Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk, flour, and salt. Stir till smooth. Pour melted butter into a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or till a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese and serve!

Spinach Potato Pancakes

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

2 cups shredded zucchini
1 medium potato, peeled and shredded
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg, beaten

In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Stir in egg and mix well.

Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot, greased griddle. Flatten with the back of a spatula, to form patties. Fry until golden brown. Flip and cook till second side is browned. Drain on paper towels.

Gluten-Free Pancakes

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Preheat pancake griddle to medium heat, or about 320 degrees.

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

Whisk together the liquid ingredients in another bowl.

Whisk liquid into dry, just till combined.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto griddle. Let cook till bubbles appear, then flip and cook a minute or two longer, until golden.

Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/4 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup sour soy or rice milk
(simply add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the “milk” and let it sit a few minutes)
3 teaspoons of dry egg replacer beaten with 4 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Some lumps in the batter are okay.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about two minutes, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

Allergen-Free Vegan Pancakes

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
(3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, opt.)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup rice milk
2 teaspoons egg-replacer, beaten with 4 tablespoons warm water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon vinegar

Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Some lumps in the batter are okay.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about two minutes, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

For even more pancake ideas, pancake tricks, pancake facts and even pancake merch, head over to pancakelovers.com

For a selection of adventure sports, perfect for post-pancake health and fitness, visit theactivitypeople.co.uk