By David Tepera, September 2, 2020

At Ageless Muscle Fitness Center, many of our clients are business owners of a variety of sorts. Every one of these clients have different backgrounds, ethnicity, with some from other countries. One thing they do have in common, as of today, is their businesses are successful.

Now, since Tina and I own a family business, I picked our clients’ brains to have a better understanding of their journey to success.

Just like life, it’s a bumpy road out there, but refusing to lose and a hard work ethic will climb you to the top of the mountain.

My client from Vietnam came to America 28 years ago, didn’t know English or have an education, but was good at baking specialty deserts. She went to work at a bakery to learn how to start and run a business and, after 10 years, she opened her own shop, which has expanded to several bakeries.

Other clients are in fields such as medical, engineering, masonry, machine shops, construction and so forth. Every one of these people hit hard times from economy to wrong business decisions. But, they paid their debts and kept pursuing their dreams because this was the strong character they possessed. They had families to feed, so failure was never an end result.

Believe me, we dealt with many obstacles and setbacks at Ageless Muscle, but the desire to help others kept us on the path to success.

So, you’re probably wondering what does any of this have to do with fitness? As I started this article that all these successful business owners are from completely different backgrounds. They range from the age of 50s to 101, but they bring that same work ethic into our fitness center. They never miss a session, give their best, and have a wonderful zest for life.

There’s so much our youth could learn from our elderly. If you want it, learn it and earn it.

OK, where are you today and where do you want to be tomorrow? I told my adult children from youth that starting from the bottom position of any company will help develop hard working skills. It’s these early skills that you keep adding experience on top of, and through time, you’ll start your own business of success.

Now, let’s all of us find our strongest trait and we’ll make it in life. Don’t give up.

By David Tepera, August 26, 2020

OK, you messed up again, so what are you going to do? The worst thing is not doing anything.

There’s not one of us who hasn’t failed a diet or two. Why do you think each new fad diet becomes so popular? Because everyone has failed the previous one, so let’s try the next fad diet. Maybe it’ll work this time. Sorry, but probably not.

Listen, all these crazy diet programs become popular because of genius marketing. I can hear some of you now: “Whatever David, I lost 30 pounds on my current diet program.”

Well, if you’ve found a program that you can stick with for the rest of your life, then that’s fantastic. Just make sure it’s not telling you to eliminate other healthy foods from your diet. We must all incorporate healthy carbs, proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts and healthy fats. Otherwise, your body is not receiving proper nutrition and other health problems are on the way.

Don’t misunderstand the message — at least you’re trying instead of not doing anything.

Now, what type of exercise program are you doing today? Are you still on the path from the new year’s resolution? Don’t worry, I’m laughing with you on that question.

We are in the midst of the summer’s heat in Galveston County and it’s freaking HOT outside, but that’s not an acceptable excuse.

If you can’t afford a gym membership or if you’re concerned with coronavirus, then you make the choice of getting up a little earlier or stay up later to walk the neighborhood. The worst thing is not doing anything.

Most of our clients at Ageless Muscle Fitness Center are in the high “at risk” category, so it’s very private with only personal training. We don’t accept people only wanting a membership. We are not about the money. Our reward is changing people’s lives that once thought it wasn’t possible.

Now, let’s shift to your job, relationships, marriages or business failures. If you’re the one who messed up, what are you going to do about it? Did you apologize and own up to the mistake? If you didn’t, I promise, this situation is going to become worse.

Right now, there’s been quite a few business failures out of our control. Did you put together another game plan? Did you find other business owners in the same position and try to strategize together? You’re not in this alone; seek others and get your life and business back.

Remember, we are all going to make mistakes and mess up but, today, it’s different because you’re going to do get up and do something about it.

By David Tepera, August 19, 2020

Recently, I was having a conversation with a well-known tattoo artist. Our discussion turned to different displays of American flags and patriotism. He gave me a history lesson that I was not aware of, but felt I should had known about the “3 percent.”

For those of you, like me, who didn’t know, there’s a claim that only 3 percent of the American colonists took up arms against the Kingdom of Great Britain during the American Revolution. It was the bravery of those 3 percent that led to our independence.

Now, if you study this further, as I did, there are present-day groups who’ve taken this term in a negative direction, but also, those who made it positive. For me, I want to focus on the good.

What are other areas in life where there is only 3 percent of good and production? When I was in medical sales, the top 3 percent of sales people kept the company profiting and stocks high. Most others were flying below the radar, with some becoming dead weight. Which percentage do you bring to work?

With the current rate of obesity, it seems only 3 percent of the population is extremely healthy. As professional athletes, while out in public, we constantly observe others. We never make judgements but are taking notes of a realistic trend.

I have to wonder about the 3 percent colonists who fought for us. How would they feel to what’s happening in our country now? I still can’t wrap my head around why politicians and media support the destruction and division of our country.

Remember, my late son Army Specialist Dustin Tepera was in the 3 percent, so I might have a different perspective than you. Believe me, we all have different feelings according to our experiences, so I respect yours.

We have a responsibility to create goodness, project love for each other and helping those in need. You have complete control of your thoughts and actions. You make the choice of which person you want to be. It isn’t just the responsibility of one leader or 3 percent of the population. We must all do this together.

Now today, I would like each of you to take an honest reflection of your life. What areas need improving? What leadership qualities do you possess, and do they bring people up?

Let’s all strive to be in the greatest 3 percent this world could ever imagine and come together.

By David Tepera, August 12, 2020

Discipline and consistency is no foreign language to any of us. We all know to succeed at any goal will require those traits. The good news is, no matter age or circumstances, it’s in you.

So, what discipline skills are needed to get to your next accomplishment? Have you put a plan together? Did you set small steps to reach your ultimate goal? How are you going to keep moving the ball down the field of success? We must all answer these questions honestly.

Remember, it’s not your past or tragedies that define you. We all have made plenty of mistakes that we’re not proud of. Today and now is the person you’ve become and who you’re striving to be.

Present and carry yourself as that person you desire because if you project that character, then you are there.

Now, where are you in this process? Have you given up bad habits and negative people in your life? None of these are easy, but necessary to reach your goals.

Back around 2005, when I received full custody of my two young children, they deserved to have the best dad possible. So, I sold all my man toys, gave up social drinking and friends, and indulged in every self-esteem book and audio tape I could get my hands on. I was reading up to three books a week. This process completely changed my life, which has led me to all of you today.

Now, it’s your turn. Write down all that’s necessary to reach your ultimate goal. Take you worst habit and start reducing the frequency of which you indulge. For example: If you use tobacco, drink alcohol, or have other destructive behaviors, put them on a time schedule. Instead of every hour, try every other hour, or however often you partake.

We all need to create healthier lifestyles, so schedule walking three times a week, then increase each month. Reduce using fried foods for every meal, and make it only during lunch.

The healthiest meals should at least be breakfast and dinner. Breakfast gives you energy, and dinner’s meal will more than likely be stored to fat, so reduce carbs and fried foods for dinner.

The clients at Ageless Muscle who gain the quickest and most desired results are those who don’t skip training sessions, including making healthier choices at home.

Now, I want you to keep pushing the ball down the court of success. You know what’s needed, so hop on the success train with the rest of us because all you need is discipline and consistency.

By David Tepera, August 5, 2020

Okay, it’s another day of accomplishments, and the only way to success is to “get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”

How many of you hit the snooze button multiple times and dread getting out of bed? I understand not everyone is a morning person, but you must find a way to get excited about the day. It’s easy for all of us to lay in bed and think about all the negative situations we’ve encountered and what could possibly happen today. That type of thinking is solely up to you.

How about flipping your stinking thinking and redirect thoughts to happiness. You have a purpose in life, and it’s up to you to find it. It’s outside that front door, so get up, get out there and never give up.

At Ageless Muscle, our first training sessions start at 4:30 a.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. Yes, we are worn out and exhausted by the end of day, but we create an atmosphere of excitement because we get to change lives daily. We build a special relationship with all our clients and know they’ll show up and learn to never give up.

How are each of you going to dress up for work today? Do you look the part of success and hard work or a lazy wrinkly mess?

Did you show up late, frustrated and in a bad mood, or did you come in early to prove your worth? Believe me, everyone at work knows who you are, including supervisors and owners.

We all have bad days, but you better leave that attitude when you walk out the door.

Back in the day, when I was single parenting my children, it didn’t matter how rough my morning started. I made sure the kids were going to wake with love and excitement. I’d have breakfast ready, lunches prepared, including clothes laid out for the day.

How about all you trying to improve your health? Did you pack your gym clothes, headphones and healthy meals? Have you prepared to make it another day of success and accomplishments, or another day of excuses?

Look around you. What have you’ve been blessed with? Remember, you’re in America, the land where opportunity is right in front of you, so get up, dress up, show up and never give up.

By David Tepera, July 29, 2020

I want to share with you some ideas I’ve incorporated in my life throughout my adult years. For various reasons, it took until I was in my early 40s and reading countless positive books to change my ways.

One big lesson is realizing failure was only the beginning. A failed relationship helped get rid of turmoil and to one day finding true everlasting love. Besides being a single father for almost 15 years, my wife Tina has been the biggest blessing in my life.

How many of you tried countless diet and exercise programs to finally find the right choice that fits your body type and lifestyle? This is one of the joys we get at Ageless Muscle. We customize programs for all our clients and, we are proud to say, they all get the results and life changes they were looking for.

There was a time where I was too passive and wasn’t getting ahead in life or the results I needed. I got out of my comfort zone, changed my standards and aggressively went after what I wanted. At 59 years old, I’m more successful and happier than I’ve been in my entire life.

So, what do you really want? What’s holding you back? Enhance your character and go after it.

There’s not one of us who hasn’t made mistakes — some more than others. There was a time in my life where the biggest idiot I knew was starring at me in the mirror.

The best change that helped me from living in the past was making peace with myself. I forgave all the mistakes I made, those who wronged me and allowed God to guide my ways. This was the biggest life changer of all because it wasn’t in my hands anymore, plus I was able to release all tension and depression.

Lastly, stop comparing yourself to others. Each one of us is unique with a different set of skills and traits. How many of you are intimidated to walk into a gym for the first time because you think everyone there has bodies you see in commercials and magazines?

Yes, at some gyms, there are those who are young and look good. But, if you truly look around, there are more overweight people just trying to be healthier. I applaud all those who are there for themselves and not comparing to others.

Bottom line, if you’re not happy and feel you’re going nowhere, it’s time to set new standards in your life. Go for it, my friends because, I promise, life will never be better once you do.

Also, today is my 59th birthday, and the countdown to 60 has started.

By David Tepera, July 22, 2020

As we get older, there’s many of us who look back and say to ourselves “Boy, if I could do it all over again, it would be different.”

Well, as you may guess it, today is that day you get to do things differently. Don’t let another many years go by without making the necessary changes. Today is the start of the new and better you.

It’s interesting how many people think they are too old, unattractive, broke or out of shape to start over. No, the only thing missing is ambition. How bad do you really want it? What sacrifices are necessary to achieve the person you want to be? If you desire something strongly enough, it won’t feel like sacrifice because it becomes your new identity.

Now, what are those changes needed? You must start with your mental state. It’s easy and habitual for us to stay glued to negativity, so you must escape what media and others are pouring into your mind.

Get off that train leading to mental destruction. You have the choice to read positive books, as well as listening to uplifting podcasts and music. Force your mind to only fill with encouraging words and confidence, then there’s no room for negativity.

You can immediately help your mindset with an exercise program. Get out early mornings or late evenings to take a long walk. Get your eyes off the path and look to the skies where beauty surrounds you. See the birds, squirrels and nature going about their busy lives and become a part of it.

How would you had changed your life 10 years ago? Why can’t you start that change today? Don’t let other’s negative thoughts and actions control you. This isn’t the support group you need. Don’t get sucked into this world of hate because you’re better than that.

Surround yourself with only positive ambitious people. We are fortunate to own our business and control the environment. Our clients will only hear words of encouragement and positive reinforcement.

That person you want to be can start now. Don’t wait any longer wishing you did things differently today. Carry yourself around in this world with explosions of love and respect. The universe will send good people to you and life will change forever.

By David Tepera, July 15, 2020

Being in the professional body building industry, every competitor is focused on perfection. You must bring you best A-game to have an opportunity to take first place or to win your pro-card.

Of course, this is totally understandable to all my fellow competitors. It was the same dedication Tina and I went through to become professional athletes.

But when it comes to diet, exercise or getting ahead in life, don’t focus on perfection; concentrate on progress. This is the advice we give all our clients and those who reach out to us across the country.

There will be days of failure and setbacks, but that doesn’t mean to give up. They are just lessons to help pivot in a better direction.

We have a client totally hooked on frappuccinos, including drinking one every day for years. Like all of us trying to diet, she kept losing the battle. Tina helped her by not letting her get depressed and reducing her to one every other day. Well recently, she completed one month without any frappuccinos.

What did this do for our client? She now has the confidence to tackle the next hurdle of diets and exercise. She’s making progress and not setting herself up for failure by focusing on perfection.

Isn’t this process the same throughout our lives? Think of every sport, hobby or interest you’ve been involved with. With each attempt and accomplishment, you gain the confidence to continue and pursue a higher skill. You weren’t focused on perfection, just progress.

An example is as simple as learning to ride a bicycle. We had to learn to steer and peddle with training wheels, then to balance on two wheels. For us boys in the neighborhood, we rode with no hands, wheelies down the street, plus built ramps like Evel Knievel. Yep, I lived with scabs my entire youth, but I could fly on that old Schwinn with a banana seat.

How many of you are intimidated to walk into a gym or fitness center? We have people contact us every week who have never been in a gym. They feel like an outcast because all the marketing and social media are geared toward the younger fit crowd.

We let them know they just completed the largest hurdle by contacting us. From here, walking through our front door will start your progress to obtain goals.

Look, whatever you’re involved in to improve your life, don’t focus on perfection; concentrate on progress and you’ll get there.

By David Tepera, July 8, 2020

I’ve told this story many times, but it’s a must repeat for today’s lesson. Yes, I said “lesson” because for some reason, we have a growing society of pampered youth without responsibility.

Of course, this isn’t all parents, but there are those who babied their kids way too long. Yes, we all want life to be better and easier for our kids than it was for us, but you’ve lost a valuable lesson.

When my adult children were in elementary school, I volunteered in multiple sports for many years, including soccer. Before every season started, I sat all parents down to explain the rules.

Just know, I never cared about winning at that age. I played every kid equal time, made practices challenging, but fun because I wanted everyone to have a positive experience, including parents.

Now, what’s the lesson I explained to the parents?

“Your kid is going to fall down during games. It’s part of the experience. They are going to look at you to come to their rescue and baby them, but I’m going to shout at them to get back up and pursue the game.”

Listen, there’s a difference between getting hurt and being injured. OK, you got your feelings hurt, and you’re embarrassed because you got played. Well guess what? That’s life.

We need to teach our kids to problem solve, and realize it’s up to them for the final outcome. You can lay there and expect people to come to your rescue, or you can take matters in your own hands and learn from the experience.

I have an abundance of plaques, medals and awards surrounding my home office walls, but I have more failures listed in my head and scars on my body. It’s those failures that helped create the displayed victories. I guarantee, the kids or I don’t possess any participation trophies.

That’s today’s problem, the growing youth expect something for nothing. It’s up to us elders to teach the real world, and that’s why my kids played sports their entire youth. If you want to make it to the top, you have to outwork your competition. Otherwise, you’re going to sit on the bench the rest of your life. Not in the Tepera house.

Wherever you are at this exact moment is because of all the failures and victories you’ve experienced. Learn from those failures and keep pushing forward because you only got hurt, not injured.

By David Tepera, July 1, 2020

Each day, we have an opportunity to make a difference in our lives and others. What did you accomplish yesterday, and what’s on the agenda today?

When is the last time you exercised, ate healthy, showed kindness to others or made a positive influence?

There’s no secret, today’s society is snowballing into a frenzy with the media bombarding us with turmoil and hatred. But, I know there’s goodness in all of us, so let’s make a difference by choosing love and respect over hate.

Just like negativity attracts negative people, goodness will attract greatness. It’s only you who gets to make the choice of which person you want to be. This must start internally first.

What’s your first thought of the day? Do you wake up with negative thoughts about people and situations you’re dealing with, or do you thank God or a higher power for giving you another day to make a difference?

Many years ago, I made a conscious decision to not let my feet hit the ground until I said a prayer of thankfulness and love. I enjoy starting my day in the best mood possible because I interact with people all day. I love seeing others smile when we greet.

What’s your first meal of the day? Are you running late for work and the drive-through breakfast of greasy foods crashed your diet again?

Did you make it to the gym, find time to exercise or did you create another excuse? Dylan, Tina and I train people all day, we are exhausted, but we still make the time to improve our bodies because we know it will also enhance our mental state.

At Ageless Muscle Fitness Center, it’s a friendly family environment. Just like the client’s bodies are improving with each session, we know they walk out of the gym in the best mood possible.

If you have a trainer that only talks about drama in his or her life, you need to seek someone else. If a trainer is upbeat and showers you with goodness, stick with that trainer.

Listen, it’s only you that has control of your thoughts and attitude. It’s your choice to be happy or not. Punch negative thoughts in the face because today you’re going to make a difference.

We must love all mankind!