Hi Everyone!

The Hamstring muscle is a group of three muscles that are found on the back of the thigh bone. Every time you bend your knee or move your thigh behind the hips your hamstring is engaged. Muscles in general shorten when they contract to move. During most physical activities including walking, jogging, jumping and even sitting the hamstring muscle is in a constant shortening phase. This leads to tightness in the muscle which in turn can effect posture and the ability to achieve a full range of motion at the both the knee and hip joint. Hamstring stretches help correct the shortening action and can also help relieve lower back and sciatic pain. Try these stretches to get you on your way to nice hamstring length.

As a trainer and generally health conscience individual, I am not a proponent of most dietary supplements. Truthfully, I believe that most of them do not work and because they are not regulated, some are even dangerous.

Micheal Ellis, one of the founders of Metabolife was sentenced to six months in jail last week in San Diego, CA for lying to the FDA. Metabolife stated that they never received notice from consumers that their main multi million dollar product that contained the deadly (and since banned) Ephedra created serious adverse effects. Yet their very own company documents showed that the company had reports of seizures, heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. Probably the most famous victim is the 23 year old Baltimore Oriole pitcher, Steve Bechler who died of heat stroke related to the use of this product. Ellis has an interesting background too. In 1998, he and the other founder of Metabolife were arrested for making meth in their homes.

Defraud the public, seriously harm consumers with a shady and irresponsible product and then steal millions = 6 months? Pathetic!

Stay Healthy and Happy Jumping!

Tressa

Hi Everyone!

I don't know about you but I love to have music on when I am working out. Something about getting pumped up with a great beat makes pushing myself physically a little more doable and actually a lot of fun. Here is what is playing on my ipod mix for June.

Hi Everyone!

I am always searching for new products, foods, books and music that inspire me to live a healthy lifestyle. Here are a couple of my favorite things right now.

1. Emergen-C packets: small packets of a tasty vitamin packed powder that I drop into a small glass of water that gives me that extra boost of energy for my active life. The new Acai flavor is the best!

2. Mephisto shoes: all Mephisto brand shoes are comfy, but the Helen model is by far the most comfortably sheik sandal I have ever worn. I own several pairs and get the most compliments on the black patent leather and gold ones I own. Love them! Love them!

3. Lululemon: a clothing brand for working out. Some of the workout clothes are so cute that they warrant being worn outside the gym. Plus I love the company's mission of making components that inspire to live longer, more healthier and fun lives.

4. Kombucha: this is a Japanese tea that has live cultures that are believed to aid in digestion, allowing the body to focus on health and healing. Many users report a subtle but distinct perception shift, generally characterized by an overall sense of physical and mental well being. My raw food friends love this. I, on the other hand have been slow to catch on even though I must admit, the taste is growing on me. I get it at Wholefoods in the cold drink area.

5. Thinkgreen bar's: a superfood nutrition bar for optimum vibrance. The chocolate peanut butter bar is a great afternoon snack (especially if you are itching for something with a sweet taste.) check out www.thinkproducts.com for a review of all their products.
Stay tuned for more of my favorites!

Happy Jumping,

Tressa