In late January, Ricky Whitlock was lying in an Oahu hospital bed, unsure if he would ever be able to surf again. Ricky was in Hawaii for the Volcom Pipeline Pro when he took off on a wave that nearly cost him his life. After dropping into the wave at Pipeline, one of the world’s most dangerous waves, Ricky was thrown over the falls and smashed against the shallow reef below. He was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital, fearing the worst.

His X-Rays confirmed that he had a T-10 Hairline fracture and L-1 Compression in his lower back. However, there was good news — he was not paralyzed!

After a few days in the hospital, Ricky returned to his Carlsbad home to begin rehab. With the help of some generous friends, he was fortunate to use a cutting edge Electro-Acuscope and Myopluse machine that transmitted electric currents to extract dead tissue and stimulate new cell growth in damaged areas. Ricky told me, “For the last three months, twice a day—everyday, I used the Acuscope and Myopluse machines for an hour and a half.”

Ricky was able to return to the water last Friday for the first time since that January morning. He said there was no pain in his back and even progressed from a Longboard to a Shortboard halfway thru the session. “I’m not 100% healed just yet. Right now I’m focused on sticking to my rehab and gradually getting my timing and rhythm back. Not rushing anything!” In the meantime, Ricky is also filming a compelling and high-impact short film, Ricky Whitlock: L-1, T-10 produced by Timothy Ryan’s Tar Productions. This movie will uncover his entire story from before the injury all the way thru his rehab process and eventually back in the water.

MRM would like to wish good luck to Ricky as he continues his road to recovery.

www.rickywhitlock.com

Twitter: @RickyWhitlock

Earlier this week, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on 1,3-Dimethylamine, more popularly known as DMAA. DMAA is an ingredient commonly used in weight loss and pre-workout supplements and is often referred to as a “natural” stimulant. The FDA said that DMAA, which has NEVER been used in any MRM products, “is not a dietary ingredient and is not, therefore, eligible to be used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements.” Failure to immediately cease distribution of supplements containing DMAA could result in enforcement action. The FDA stated that DMAA is known to narrow the blood vessels and arteries, which can elevate blood pressure and may lead to cardiovascular events ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack.

 “MRM has always stood apart from its competitors because of its comprehensive scientific understanding and stringent adherence to FDA guidelines. We have a 16 year history of only offering credible ingredients that withstand the scrutiny of scientific colleagues,” said Mark Olson, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of MRM.

MRM’s All Natural pre-workout formula, Driven, is the first pre-workout formula developed with pure ingredients to support your body’s complex metabolic activity. All Natural Driven’s combination of synergistic ingredients reinforces both the mind and body for enthusiastic training leading to rapid results. Driven promotes increased speed, strength and lean muscle growth as well as assisting the body to recover quicker and reduce muscle soreness.

Resveratrol & Cardiovascular Health                                                                                             

MRM’s Resveratrol is a potent blend of natural antioxidants to minimize free radical damage and support cardiovascular health. Resveratrol is a protective compound produced by plants as a defense against environmental stress. Combined with other polyphenols from Non-GMO grapes (Vitis Vinifera) each vegetarian capsule provides synergistic cardiovascular, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support for healthy aging.

A recent study found that one year supplementation of Resveratrol decreased inflammation and increased heart health. Researches from The American Journal of Cardiology reported that levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, fell by 26% during the study. Chronic inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis, connective tissue disease, inflammatory bowed disease or a host of other issues. C-reactive protein produced by the liver, is a good biomarker for overall inflammation, with high levels considered a risk factor for heart disease.

For more information on the study visit: Resveratrol-rich grape extract shows heart health benefits: Human data

Tim Lewis and James Koch stopped by the MRM Headquarters today to discuss their upcoming Bridge to Bridge Film, www.bridgetobridgefilm.com. I asked them a few questions about the expedition, the charity involved and what they are doing to prepare their bodies.

By: Brock Hills

Brock: This summer you guys will attempt to Stand-Up-Paddle board from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to the Coronado Bridge in San Diego. What brought about this expedition?

Tim: This whole thing started out as a guy’s trip down the California coast. After putting some more thought into it, we decided to use this trip to raise awareness and money for clean water around the world. We then chose with Charity:Water as our official charity and the rest is history!

B: You mentioned that you guys will be working with Charity:Water. What stood out about that charity and what are your goals? 

T: Our goal is to raise $5,000 for Charity:Water. They are a reputable organization with 100% of raised money going directly to providing clean water.

James: This mission is all about crossing water to bring water and Charity:Water is the perfect fit. We wanted to be apart of something greater than ourselves and we were able to do so by working with Charity:Water. Proceeds of the film will also be going to Charity:Water.

B: How have you guys been preparing and training for the grueling 400 plus miles of ocean water your about to encounter?

J: We have been training in the gym and also doing land exercises that translate into the ocean. Lots of core workouts, balance exercises, interval training and ocean water paddling.

T: The last couple months we have been pushing our bodies to the limit, while building endurance. We train 3 to 4 hours each day. The main thing is getting out in the ocean!

B: What MRM products have you guys used as part of your preparation for the expedition?

J: With all the carb’s we are burning out on the water, I like to use the All Natural Gainer. Driven is also a great pre-workout mix for what we are doing. It gives me the motivation to get up and get in the water!

T: Recovery is huge for us so I like to RELOAD after every workout. Hydration Factor has also been an integral part of our training as it is important to stay hydrated during an endurance activity like paddle boarding.

B: Thanks for your time guys and good luck as you prepare for your expedition!

MRM’s All Natural RELOAD™ is the ultimate muscle recovery formula designed for athletes and active individuals. All Natural RELOAD™ is for those looking to exercise longer, while minimizing muscle soreness. This precise ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), L-Glutamine and Beta-Alanine in our super soluble form provide maximum absorption and nitrogen retention (muscle rebuilding nutrients).

Chuck Rudolph (MEd, RD) says, “All Natural RELOAD™ helps reduce fatigue and muscle soreness, while dramatically speeding up your body’s recovery time. It is a great tasting product with no sugars or artificial sweeteners.”

Take All Natural RELOAD™ during and after exercising to maintain all your hard earned lean muscle mass or in-between meals to maintain metabolic rate and energy. All Natural RELOAD™ has a unique delivery system which allows for convenient addition to bottled water or lightly flavored drinks.

All Natural RELOAD™ contains NO dairy, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, gluten or yeast.

By: Brock Hills

Brock: This is your 18^th season of the ASP World Tour. How have you been able to succeed for so long at the highest level against the young and up and coming surfers?

Taylor: The most important thing for me is keeping my body in shape. I pay close attention to my training and also what I eat. What you put into your body is what you’re going to get out of your body.

B: Like a lot of extreme athletes, surfers seem to have caught on to the concept of nutrition and training. What have you done to prepare your body?

T: I prepare myself by participating in a variety of dynamic exercises with my trainer Paul Hiniker. Over the years I have realized the importance of training both in and out of the water. I have also focused on my mental preparation with Ron Rathbun. Ron practices Kelee meditation, which is a meditation practice focused on achieving stillness of the mind.

B: What kind of dry-land training is recommended for surfers? Core-Work? Weights? Running?

T: Surfing involves a whole different group of muscles than your traditional sports. When training on dry-land you want to get your muscles to fire. I concentrate on core exercises while at the gym and always remember to stretch at night. Before going out in the water I recommend doing single leg lunges, leg kicks, and spider man crawls to prepare your body for the ocean.

B: Trainer Paul Hiniker and yourself produced the Surf Exercises DVD, which consists of workouts targeting better health and surfing. Explain the Surf Exercises DVD.

T: Paul is great surfer himself so he knows what exercises work, and don’t work. This has enabled him to replicate movements you use in the water and bring them to the land. Surf Exercises targets balance as the centerpiece for strength and flexibility. One of my favorite exercises is the Scorpion, which involves core twisting movements that you use while surfing.

B: How do you use MRM products as part of your nutritional regimen?

T: I start and end my day with MRM. In the morning when I wake up I take the Daily Energy Greens. After surfing I like to rehydrate myself with Hydration Factor™. And before I stretch and go to bed, I take Joint Synergy™ +.

B: Well Taylor, thanks for stopping by and good luck next week at the Rip Curl Pro in Bells Beach, Australia!

T: Thanks guys! I’ll see you next month up at Trestles for the Nike Lowers Pro. 

You can follow Taylor on Twitter @taylor_knox

MRM triathlete Beth Walsh will be participating in her first Ironman as a professional this Saturday at the Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside, CA. What makes this race even more special is that Beth lives in nearby Encinitas, CA so she will be racing her first professional Ironman in her own backyard. Beth recently said, “I’m finding a great rhythm between balancing things in my life. I’ve really let go of the ‘volume monstress’ I used to be and now take each day to be the best I can.”

The Ironman 70.3 California marks the unofficial North American mainland kickoff for Ironman racing. This event has always attracted a star studded field and the 2012 edition follows that same tradition. Participants will begin the race with a 1.2 mile swim in the Oceanside Harbor followed by a 56 mile bike loop around Camp Pendleton and a 13.1 mile run to conclude the race.

MRM would like to wish good luck to Beth on Saturday as she begins her professional Ironman career. If you would like to see more of Beth, visit her page at www.bethwalshracing.com

Expo season is upon us as we prepare for another exciting show this weekend at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA. Since 1981, Natural Products Expo West has connected retailers of natural and organic products with the natural health community and manufactures. This year’s expo will host more than 58,000 industry members and over 3,000 exhibits.

Highlighting this year’s show for us will be the introduction of Noveguard™, an active herbal blend, natural freshness protector. We will also showcase our Veggie Protein, which was recently verified by the Non-GMO Project. If you are attending the expo, visit booth #187 to see how MRM is advancing the natural health supplement industry.

Last weekend the MRM team was in Columbus, Ohio for the Arnold Sports Festival. The Arnold is the nation’s largest multi-sport festival and this year’s show was one for the ages! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth during the show. Below are some pictures from this year’s Arnold Expo.

Every year, heart disease takes the lives of over half a million Americans. February is American Heart Month, and this month we remember the steps each of us can take to reduce the risk of heart disease. The best strategy is prevention and that means taking a holistic approach to your health that incorporates diet, lifestyle, exercise and maintaining emotional and mental well-being. MRM offers three vital supplement formulas that will provide your body with heart healthy nutrients.

ChoLESStat™

ChoLESStat™  is a natural formula that can help you attain healthy cholesterol levels without the negative side effects. ChoLESStat™ provides important nutrients such as Flaphenol CCP, a homogeneous extract that delivers the antioxidant and cholesterol health benefits of flavonoids and polyphenols. Based on the vast amount of clinical research backing the individual nutrients in ChoLESStat™, it is without a doubt the most powerful, all-natural supplement that promotes normal, healthy cholesterol levels.

Co-Q 10 with L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine has been shown to support cardiovascular health beginning with its ability to assist in clearing fats from the blood and into the mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of the cells. Co-Q 10 is critical to the function of the heart, liver and kidney where it supports cell membrane stabilization and acts as an antioxidant. This combination of L-Carnitine and Co-Q 10 is essential to cardiac function and beneficial blood lipid profiles.

Complete E™

Complete E™  is a full spectrum of Vitamin E with Tocotrienols, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C. Vitamin E protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body from damage, such as LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). Only when LDL is damaged does cholesterol appear to lead to heart disease and Vitamin E is an important antioxidant protector of LDL. Complete E™ also contains Tocotrienols which can reduce cholesterol levels significantly along with Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C, which provides superior antioxidant protection.

MRM athlete John Moore will lead “Team MRM” in the grueling Southern California Ragnar Relay race.   “Team MRM”  will consist of John and five others (Ultra Team) as they run across Southern California. Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport.

The Southern California Ragnar Relay race will take place April 20-21, 2012. Each team will start at Huntington Beach State Park and make their way down the Pacific Coast through Anaheim, Carlsbad,  and La Jolla before finishing on Coronado Island in San Diego, CA.

Each Ragnar Relay race across the United States benefits a certain charity and the official charity of the So Cal Ragnar Relay is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training.

Visit www.ragnarrelay.com to learn more!