Ramsay Banna’s take on Indoor Rock Climbing

 

Coping with being cooped up during winter months.  Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing for Beginners

 

A few years ago I spent the winter cooped up in a house and suffering cabin fever.  With the weather trying to make up its mind between snowing and raining, there was little to do in the way of staying active.  So it was quite a relief to discover an indoor rock climbing center near where I lived. 

Indoor rock climbing is a thrilling and challenging activity perfect for when the weather closes in. It involves climbing artificial walls that simulate the experience of outdoor rock climbing, but in a controlled and safe environment. Before starting, it is essential to understand the basics of indoor rock climbing, including the equipment required and the different types of climbing. Typical indoor climbing gear includes climbing shoes, a harness (for rope climbing), and a chalk bag. Indoor climbing gyms usually have rental equipment available for beginners who do not have their gear.

Preparing for your first climb is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is recommended to start with a beginner's course or climb with an experienced friend who can teach you the basic techniques. Before you start climbing, it's essential to warm up your muscles and stretch your body. Climbing with cold muscles can lead to injuries. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and use chalk to keep your hands dry and improve your grip. You should also learn how to control your jumps and fall onto your back if needed.

As a beginner, it's important to focus on developing proper technique and building strength gradually. Climbing with your feet and keeping your weight on your legs is crucial to conserve energy and prevent fatigue. It is also recommended to climb no more than three times a week to avoid overexertion and allow your muscles to recover. Investing in good quality climbing gear, getting an instructor, finding a climbing partner, and getting a basic understanding of climbing grades can also help improve your skills. Following these tips and techniques can help beginners improve their climbing skills and enjoy the sport safely and effectively.

1. Gather the necessary equipment: Climbing harness, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and belay device.

2. Find a suitable location for climbing. Look for an indoor rock climbing gym or climbing wall.

3. Learn the basics of climbing safety and technique. If you are new to rock climbing, it is important to take a class or get instruction from a certified instructor.

4. Begin climbing! Start with easier routes and work your way up to more difficult ones.

5. Practice proper belaying techniques. Make sure you and your partner are always using the correct safety techniques and belay devices when climbing.

6. Have fun and stay safe! Enjoy the challenge and the amazing sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering a route.

For more information please contact Ramsay Banna

www.training-choice.com.au

 

Island Peak Ramsay Banna

Ramsay Banna

www.training-choice.com.au

Coping with being cooped up during winter months

 Ramsay Banna 

Coping with being cooped up during winter months

A few years ago I spent the winter cooped up in a house and suffering cabin fever.  With the weather trying to make up its mind between snowing and raining, there was little to do in the away of staying active. and engaged, especially when the weather is cold and dreary. However, it’s essential to prioritize physical activity and movement to maintain both physical and mental health[1]. Exercise can counteract some of the negative effects of being cooped up indoors, such as decreased energy levels and mood swings. While outdoor play is always beneficial, there are still  plenty of ways to stay active indoors, such as: – Yoga or Pilates – Dance or aerobics classes – Home workout videos or apps – Indoor sports like basketball or volleyball By staying active, individuals can boost their mood, increase energy levels, and maintain physical fitness, even during the winter months[2].

Staying entertained indoors during the winter months can be a challenge, but there are many creative ways to do so[3][4]. Here are a few ideas: – Bake winter treats like cookies or bread – Bring snow inside for sensory play – Exercise with a fun workout video or app – Make snow slime or snow cookies – Play board games or do puzzles – Rearrange furniture or decorate the home – Improvise paper-bag skits By engaging in fun and stimulating activities, individuals can combat boredom and cabin fever while staying entertained and engaged.

Maintaining mental health and well-being is crucial during the winter months, as the lack of sunlight and outdoor time can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety[5][6].

 Here are some strategies to promote mental health: – Maintain a consistent sleep schedule – Spend time with friends and family, even virtually – Practice mindfulness or meditation – Stay physically active – Seek professional help if needed By prioritizing mental health and well-being, individuals can cope with being cooped up during the winter months and emerge feeling refreshed and rejuvenated[7][8][9]

For more information please contact Ramsay Banna. www.training-choice.com.au

Must-Know Tips for Newbie Kite Surfers by Ramsay Banna

 

Introduction

What's the Deal with Kite Surfing?

Kite surfing is a thrilling sport where you glide across the water on a board while being pulled by a large kite. It combines aspects of wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport. It's become increasingly popular due to its exhilarating nature and the freedom it offers on the waves.

For beginners, the appeal of kite surfing lies in the rush of harnessing the wind's power. It's an accessible sport that appeals to adventure seekers looking for something beyond traditional surfing.

Why Kite Surfing is the Coolest Water Sport for Newbies

Kite surfing stands out among water sports because it combines multiple skills into one sport. The feeling of putting them all together and standing up for the first time and riding the waves is an unforgettable experience. . With proper instruction, newbies can quickly feel the thrill of the sport. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet new people, and get a full-body workout.

Tip #1: Get the Right Gear

Choosing the Perfect Kite and Board Combo

Finding the right kite and board is crucial. The kite size affects control and power. Beginners should start with a larger kite in light winds and a larger board for ease of use.

Must-Have Accessories for a Smooth Ride

In addition to the kite and board, essential gear includes a harness, pump, wetsuit, helmet, and impact vest. These accessories ensure comfort and safety during your ride.

Tip #2: Mastering the Basics

Learning How to Control the Kite Like a Pro

Controlling the kite is all about understanding wind dynamics and kite mechanics. Beginners should practice on land with a trainer kite before hitting the water to get a feel for the kite's response to wind and steering input.

Getting Comfortable on the Board

Balance and stance are key on the board. Start with basic exercises to get comfortable standing and moving on the board. Once these are mastered, you're ready for the water.

Tip #3: Safety First

Understanding Wind Conditions and Safety Precautions

Knowing how to read wind conditions is vital for safety. Learn to identify safe wind directions and speeds. Always have a plan for unexpected situations and know how to use your safety release systems.

The Importance of Proper Body Positioning and Balance

Your body positioning affects control and balance. Keep your back knee slightly bent and your weight centered over the board. Good posture helps maintain control and reduces the risk of falls.

Tip #4: Riding the Waves

Catching Your First Waves and Staying Up

Start in small waves and focus on staying up. Practice controlling your speed and direction. Celebrate small victories, like riding a wave for the first time, no matter how brief.

Tips for Maneuvering and Turning Like a Champ

Turning requires shifting your weight and adjusting the kite's position. Start with gentle turns and gradually build up to sharper ones as your confidence grows.

Tip #5: Advanced Techniques

Elevating Your Skills with Jumps and Tricks

Once you're comfortable riding, try adding jumps and tricks. Begin with small hops and work your way up. Watch others and ask for tips.

Perfecting Your Style and Becoming a Kite Surfing Pro

Developing a unique style comes with time. Pay attention to how you feel on the board and what maneuvers you enjoy. This will help you find your own kite surfing "signature".

Conclusion

Recap of the Essential Tips for Newbie Kite Surfers

In summary, getting the right gear, mastering the basics, prioritizing safety, learning to ride the waves, and advancing your skills are all key steps in becoming a proficient kite surfer. Remember to take it slow, practice frequently, and, most importantly, have fun out there on the water.

For more information, please contact Ramsay Banna

www.training-choice.com.au

A Miracle Mountain Tea

 Ramsay Banna

There is a place in eastern Europe, a high altitude paradise tucked away from the main tourist traffic where a wonder herb grows. 

Its qualities are nothing short of miraculous – it has a strong antioxidant effect, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, helps with prostate disease, has strong anti-inflammatory action – the list is mindbogglingly long. It is commonly known as Greek mountain tea, however, the slopes where I first spotted that miracle herb are in Pirin mountain, Bulgaria. 

Named after ancient Slavic thunder god Perun, Pirin is a majestic mountain with more than 100 peaks surpassing 2000m in height. Marsala tea, as it is known there, grows in this pristine, unpolluted world and bursts with flavonoids, terpenes and essential oils, iridoids, coumarins, lignans and sterols and other hard to pronounce substances which, in essence, make it a wonder tea.  

Please contact Ramsay Banna if you want to know more or place an order.

#mountains #ramsay banna #ramsaybanna #ramsay banna #sports

How And Why You Should Be Complaining

 No, this is not a typo, nor did you read that wrong.

By Ramsay Banna

We are so often bombarded with self-help advice in the form of articles with snappy titles like ‘10 things to stop doing to be happier and more successful!’ . And 99% of the time you can bet that the suggestion to stop complaining will be on that article. I am sure, you, like me- a well meaning person who seeks self-improvement- have at some point in your life resolved to stop complaining. How has that panned out for you?

If you are anything like me, you have managed to go for a while without doing it, but found that yourself in a situation where- before you could stop yourself- you are spilling your deepest complaints and anxieties (think Harry Potter in Order of The Phoenix when he arrives in Grimmuald Place). Of course, because you are a Good Person, you then feel dissonance for having committed the crime of complaining (since other people have it worse!) and felt really bad about yourself. Has that ever happened to you?

What if I told you complaining was not only not bad but could, in some cases, be good for you?

In the seminal book ‘The Chimp Paradox’, psychiatrist Steve Peters outlines the importance of what he refers to as ‘exercising your chimp’, which is the process of letting out all your thoughts and feelings when you are in a bad place, without any censoring. He argues that while you have heightened emotion, you are in ‘Chimp Mode’ and cannot think constructively and rationally and therefore cannot find solutions to your problems. The first step would be to exercise your chimp until it is tired and THEN you will be in a rational place where you can find the solutions to your problems.

Now, what does ‘exercising your chimp’ as described above sound like? That’s right. Complaining.

Complaining in small doses when you have heightened anxiety, sadness, fear, stress, anger is a great reliever. It allows you to express your subconscious thoughts and by doing so, you may catch yourself (or the person listening may catch) points in which you may not be thinking rationally. Voicing your thoughts can help give you perspective on them and see them as more ridiculous than if they stayed in your head.

Has it ever happened to you that you say something and realise it sounded better in your head than out loud? Only once you have finished exercising your chimp you are then in a state to work on resolutions, because that rational part of your brain kicks in now you are no longer so clouded and ruled by emotion. You cannot think rationally when in heightened emotion, which makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. Can you imagine our ancestors seeing a tiger and thinking about all the possible solutions to get away? By the time they have thought it all through the tiger would be washing them down with some water from the lake. No, when you are in an emotional state, the primative part of your brain kicks in and you cannot learn, grow, rationalise etc until you are out of that emotional state. How do you get out? That’s right by ‘exercising your chimp’ (i.e. complaining).

Now that we have established that complaining can be good it is important to understand when and around whom to do it.

How often have you been in a situation where you are stressed and relieving your stress and the person next to you offers comfort and solutions which further angers you and makes you think ‘but aren't you supposed to be on my side??’.

In the book ‘Supercommunicators’, Charles Duhigg explains that there are three different types of conversations- practical, emotional, social. When you are complaining or venting (or exercising your chimp if we want to remove the negative connotations from the word ‘complaining’), you are engaging in an emotional conversation where you do not want a solution, you just want to be heard. And that is not only normal, but necessary.

Hence why the simple advice of ‘stop complaining’ never really sticks. We need to be heard and understood, told that we are okay in feeling the way we do, even if someone has it worse. Our problems are not any less legitimate simply because we aren’t (insert whatever example/country/disease people give you here to demonstrate you have nothing to complain about).

So when it comes to complaining it is helpful to set the expectations of the person you want to do it with in advance. Let them know you want to spend the next 5 minutes getting things off your chest without censoring yourself. Let them know you may say things that seem ridiculous. You are now having an emotional conversation and you don’t want solutions. You want to be heard. Ask them if that is okay with them (Steve Peters argues that you need to find the right audience for the nature of what you need to let off your chest). Once you have finished and you are in a calmer place, then you can begin to formulate solutions and rationalise your concerns.

If you want, you can stop referring it to complaining, since that word is laden with negative meaning. From now on, allow yourself to ‘Exercise Your Chimp’ to the right person and once you have finished, you can begin to look rationally at your problem and work on the solution.

For more information please contact Ramsay Banna