By Phillip Tomlinson
NYC Personal Trainer, Health Coach, & Martial Arts Instructor

“Keep your edge.”

No better advice from a hall of fame running back who made a habit of keeping an edge.

So much so that by the time the great Emmitt Smith said goodbye, he had not only secured three Super Bowl rings but had amassed more rushing yards than any running back in history.  Now, that’s hard to beat.  But, nevertheless, when it comes to our own body, there’s a lot we can do to keep our edge.  And, as every great athlete knows, it’s the little things that can eventually end up helping us do just that.  Looking for that edge this summer? How about a beach-body-to-die-for?  Yes and yes again, right?

Well, here’s another question that gets to the heart of the matter: Would a jacked-up metabolism do wonders for your piece of mind?  Damn right it would.  And since it’s the little things that can often give you that edge, how about adding a little spice to your life?  Literally.

Specifically the red-looking spice you may be overlooking.  One that is thought to inspire a metabolic increase for up to 30 minutes after consumption.  Yes, even if you are faint-of-heart, you cannot afford to overlook the benefits of cayenne pepper which is believed to not only boost metabolism but enhance circulation and increase heart action.

Now, how’s that for a little action on the cheap?  Especially if —along with your already good exercise and eating habits — you can turn up your metabolic fire a little higher.  And if you are afraid of setting your taste buds on fire, start out by mixing small amounts into your shakes, building your tolerance by slowly increasing the amount.

Incidentally, this one little addition could turn up bigger for you in the form of a nice bonus, since the antioxidant benefit of cayenne pepper is great for combating inflammation and the army of free radicals that seek to ravage your body after a workout.