HAMPTON -- When it comes to sports nutrition, Derek Hurley, owner of newly opened The Physique Stop, knows what he's talking about. A serious athlete who played football in high school and began his weight lifting career at 14 to enhance his football performance, Hurley recently opened his new shop at 822 Lafayette Road in Hampton and brings a good deal of knowledge to the topic of nutritional supplementation.

Visitors to The Physique Stop may be greeted by six year old Franco, Hurley's friendly Rottweiller, whose massive build and gentle spirit show that he could be a great advertisement for health. Inside is a wide selection of nutritional supplements; and Hurley stresses first and foremost that his shop specializes in sports nutrition for ALL types of athletes.

"Basically, what I want people to realize is that I'm not just catering to a weight lifting crowd Hurley emphasizes. He points out that people today live a fast, fast life style that creates stress often leading to a feeling of poor health. As a result, nutritional supplementation has become "a necessary thing," according to Hurley, adding "A lot of business people come in."

They're in a hurry and will grab meal replacements like Met-RX and Myoplex for a quick, healthy breakfast mixed with milk or juice. He also stocks basic vitamins, and protein bars and drinks for people to take on the run.

What other nutritional supplements will you find at The Physique Stop? Hurley stocks everything from vitamins and protein powders to fat burners and metabolism boosters.

"We offer a large variety of Creatine products," Hurley says, pointing out that this supplement is more for the serious athlete. Creatine is an amino acid found in muscle tissue and by supplementing, an athlete can build and repair his or her muscles.

The Physique Stop also carries androstenedione, a product that will sound familiar to Mark Maguire fans.

"That's the product that Mark Maguire used when on his home run streak," Hurley says. "It's a strength and endurance type enhancement product.

Hurley will also special order anything and promises, "Prices will be more reasonable than anywhere else."

Hurley has always wanted to run his own business and feels the specialized attention he brings to the subject of sports nutrition is far superior than other shops in the area will give. At The Physique Stop, he says, you'll find an alternative to the vitamin and nutritional chains at the mall.

"You'll find someone who's worked out, has knowledge of the products and knows what to do," Hurley says.

For confirmation of Hurley's knowledge and dedication to health and fitness check out the April issue of Powerlifting USA Magazine, where he is listed as placing first in his class in the August, 1998 Granite State Open Dead Lift Competition held in Keene, NH.

And for better health and fitness, check out the many options for sports nutrition at The Physique Stop in Hampton. As part of his grand opening, Derek Hurley is offering $2 off coupons on purchases of $20 or more; or 10% off any purchase over $50.

The Physique Stop is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For more questions, call Derek Hurley at The Physique Stop at 926-8119.