By David Tepera, June 4, 2025

We are all in this game of life together. Some get lucky breaks, while others create lucky breaks. It all comes down to surviving.

Listen, we’ve all faced difficult times. It’s how you take on challenges that will define you. Yes, it’s easy to give up, throw in the towel and curl up in the fetal position, but that’s not you or me.

I’ve been sucker punched so many times through out my life, but I never got knocked out. I’ve dealt with divorce, bankruptcy, unemployment, death and much more that I can’t put into writing. But, guess what? I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself, my children needed a strong father, and that’s what they got.

How about you? Even though we can’t control the environment we grew up in, we can definitely control the life we live now.

Don’t let your life be about excuses. No, you’re better than that. Too many people want to point the finger at other’s for their failures.

I don’t care what your situation is today. If you’re not happy, then what are you going to do about it?

How many of you have scars? This isn’t just physical, it includes mental scars as well. As most of you know, our gym trains people of all ages, with the majority being elderly. There’s not one of them without external scars from experiencing life. Each scar has a great story, but the best part is, their body healed and kept surviving.

To me, if you end life unscathed, then you didn’t give it your all. Come on now, we don’t know when the end comes, so why not keep fighting?

When we lose loved ones, it scars our heart and mentality. It’s understandable to be depressed, but you have to find a way to fight back and become a survivor. I’m sure there’s plenty of people who need your strength in the time of need.
So, are you ready to take back life? What’s ever weighing you down, get up and punch depression in the face. Be a survivor, be a fighter, and don’t let anyone or any situation keep you down.

Don’t let another day pass you by. Clinch your fist, grit your teeth, put on your mean face and start attacking the world. You are no longer a victim, you’re a survivor, so keep on fighting.

By David Tepera, May 28, 2025

I do realize Memorial Day passed a few days ago, but I thought to share some history and facts surrounding such an important holiday.

Most of you know, I lost my oldest son Army Specialist Dustin Ray Tepera, who served in the Iraq war from 2008 through 2012. He was a gunner who road last at the back of convoys. Dustin’s job was to protect the squad from the enemy attacking from the rear. Well, Dustin was involved in combat and was awarded for his bravery. He did help save his brigade.

So, Memorial Day weekend is a little different for me and all those families who lost loved ones who fought for the United States of America.

Now, how did this holiday weekend get started? Just know, Memorial Day is for all those who lost their lives serving this country. Veteran’s Day is for those both deceased and living who served.

Its roots trace back to the aftermath of the Civil War (1861-1865). Communities and towns began spring-time tributes to all the fallen soldiers. At that time, it was known as Decoration Day.

Memorial Day was officially declared a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday of May.

Some people don’t know, but at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, all Americans are asked to pause and reflect.

The good news is, Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of summer, so let the barbecues begin.

Sometimes, we must ask ourselves “I might not be a soldier, but how can I serve?” What are you doing in your life that helps others?

Those of you in management, do you lift up your employees or bring them down? This is the same as coaching. Players and employees will pick up skills and perform at their best when there is great leadership. That’s how you develop a winning team.

There are lots of you out there volunteering to make lives better. I commend you for helping those in need. Nothing is more precious than giving your time to others because we have limited time on this earth.

None of us will be around forever, so when the day comes, how will you be remembered?

By David Tepera, May 21, 2025

If you watch sports, especially football, then you’re familiar with the “loser’s limp”.

How many of you watched a receiver drop the pass and then grabs his leg to imply an injury? Yep, he really wasn’t hurt, he needed to switch blame due to the embarrassment of failure.

It really gets old watching basketball players cry to the ref about getting fouled because they missed the shot. Just own it and get back in the game.

This excuse can be used in many categories besides sports. People in sales that don’t hit quotas, usually blame the market or territory. But really, it comes down to work-ethic.  

We’ve all use the loser’s limp excuse at some point in our lives. It’s a form of self-protection to avoid responsibility, blame and one’s ego.

The problem is, some people live in a loser’s limp mindset. They have an excuse for every failure. Once you can accept failure, like dropping the ball, then self-growth will begin.

What ever is going on in your life, including status quo, it’s completely your responsibility. Are you financially struggling? Who’s spending your money?

Some of you might be in a destructive relationship. Why are you still there?

Who is at fault for being obese, addicted to drugs and alcohol or unemployed? This list could be endless, but it can stop with you. All you must do is own it.

Believe me, there was a time I had an excuse for all my setbacks. My children were my driving force to never give up. I just shook the dust off and got back in the game.

Look, you might be facing health issues, bankruptcy, divorce or unemployment, but that’s not what defines you. Just own it and start problem solving. It’s time to stop being the problem and start winning.

Yes, that’s who you are. There’s no more living in the past. What you accomplish today will determine what tomorrow will bring. Don’t waste another day. It’s as easy as cleaning your house.

Now, sprint to the endzone, catch the ball and score the winning touchdown. You’ll never limp again because you own it.

By David Tepera, May 13, 2025

In case you don’t know the story of “kicking the cat”, here is my version.
There was this man who woke up late for work, jumped out of bed, stubbed his toe on the way to the shower, which catapulted his already bad mood. Once he finally got to work, this man was being rude to everyone, including yelling at his secretary for something that had nothing to do with her responsibilities. Now, the secretary is upset, and put in a bad funk for the rest of the day. Once the secretary gets home, her cat walks in front of her, but because of her frustration, she kicks the cat.
First of all, this is just a story with a purpose, so don’t be offended that someone kicked a cat. The whole point is that the cat had nothing to do with any of these people’s bad moods. This cat was just being himself, going about the day and got kicked for no reason.
So, what does all of this mean? Just because you’re having a bad day, it doesn’t mean you should take it out on others. We all know someone who lives in a negative world. Their conversation is only about putting down or hurting others.
We must recognize the impact we have on family members, friends, coworkers, or people we encounter. No matter what’s going on in your personal life, why not lift the spirit of others?
Who doesn’t have challenges in life, but there’s no reason to kick the cat. People around us need someone to give them a smile. That person should be you.
As you all know, we own a family business. The environment is completely under our control. Tina, Dylan, our trainers and I, make sure that when the clients walk through the door, they are greeted by name, along with a big smile.
Of course, we deal with the battles of owning a business, but that’s on us, not others. Why not go through life with a smile? Don’t put people down, lift them up.
We all get to make a difference in this world, so what are you going to be known for?
Please, don’t kick the cat, just make this one of their best days because you have that power.

By David Tepera, May 6, 2025

If you have a daughter, then this article is for you. Now, how do I begin?
You all know I was a single parent raising Dylan and Daylyn since they were very young. I had two other sons from a previous marriage who were much older. My only daughter Daylyn just happened to be the youngest and she changed my world.
I’ve always been known as a man’s man. I played multiple sports, plus competed in every athletic competition I could find. All my boys had the same experience as I. We were just a bunch of guys and I was teaching them how to be men. Just know, all my boys learned to be gentlemen and treat women with respect.
Okay, then along comes Daylyn. I thought “it’s all good, she is going to be one of the boys”. Nope, that little girl stole my heart. All of a sudden, I learned to braid hair, bake cookies with matching aprons, including regular manicures and pedicures.
So, let’s back up a bit. I chose to allow my daughter to be strong minded and take up for herself. Daylyn competed in martial arts for many years. Just know, back in the day, my little girl could beat up your son. Since she grew up in an athletic environment, Daylyn played multiple sports, with finally excelling in volleyball.
There was a time I apologized to Daylyn for not putting her in more girly activities. Her response was she hated high-heels, and would rather wear sneakers any day.
Don’t get me wrong, even though I raised my little girl to be as strong and respectful as her brothers, she is still all girl. I didn’t just teach her to be a lady, but to understand how to be treated as a lady.
Well, this Saturday, Daylyn is graduating college like many other young adults. She has had many battles along the way to reach this major accomplishment. We can’t express the pride and love for her to walk across the stage.
Daylyn has touched many lives throughout her young life from creating a children’s foundation to pursuing an elementary teaching position. I’m proud to know that my little girl who is all grown up will continue to be someone who makes this world a better place. So, look out, here comes daddy’s little girl.

By David Tepera, April 29, 2025

It’s funny because when I was in my 30’s, I would jump out of bed, run five miles, then get ready for work. Now, when I wake, I feel like I’ve already ran a marathon. Each morning, as I limp my way to the bathroom, all I hear is snap-crackle-pop. I think to myself “what happened?”.
I have to admit, I don’t have any regrets from the physical stress I put my body through from the past. Even as an adult, I competed in multiple sports and set new physical goals each year. Win or lose didn’t matter because I was testing myself mentally. I definitely took advantage of a healthy lifestyle while I was still strong and youthful.
So, here I am about to turn 64 years old, and I’m feeling the aches and pains from years past. But, besides that, I’m still a champion and why not? I take pride that I’m not the average fella in his 60’s.
It still baffles me how society has accepted the obesity epidemic. Guess who is making big profits from your laziness? Yep, doctors and pharmaceutical companies are banking. It’s easy to write a prescription and say “see you in three to six months”.
Now, for those of you who worked hard and gave this world your best, you’re suppose to have the aches and pains from being productive. But, besides that, how do you feel?
Do you feel the love of raising a family? How about the accomplishment of retirement? Where ever you are in today’s life, you should feel good about yourself. Yes, we’ve all made mistakes, but that’s what’s called “living”.
Believe me, I’ve probably made more mistakes than accomplishments, but so what. It’s these aches and pains that remind me of the past.
I’m one of those people who don’t wish to go back in the past and do things over. Nope, I’m happy where I am today and just keep rolling along.
I’m fortunate to feel love around me each day. My kids are healthy and thriving. I have an amazing wife, plus our business is changing lives.
I count my blessings because today is a good day. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so let this be the best day.
Besides the aches and pains, how do you feel? It’s your choice.

By David Tepera, April 22, 2025

Recently, I was looking through some old photos of my kids during their growing years. Most of you know that I was a single dad raising Dylan and Daylyn since they were in 2nd and 4th grade. They are now 26 and 24-years-old, along with a blessing of Tina coming into our lives over eight years ago.
As I looked through the photos, it was a reminder of all the running around coaching their sports, getting to practices, playing in games and tournaments, including fun family summer vacations. We were on the constant go for years.
Through all that, it was hectic at times and challenging on most days, but looking back, it was some of the best times. The kids and I bonded because we were inseparable. We made memories to last a life time.
How about you? Take a moment to reflect over your life. What was the good times while going through the hard times? Was it from raising kids, starting a career or business, or the early years of a marriage?
Typically, the first two years into starting a business is the most difficult. Especially, when it requires “brick and mortar”. There’s an initial investment of supplies, equipment, plus all the utility bills. But, if you have a business partner with the same dedicated work ethic, those challenging times will be some of the best.
For some of us, the early years of marriage had plenty of financial difficulty. What’s your story? Did both spouses work hard to be able to save and buy their first house? Or did you decide to not have all the unnecessary material things and live with one income, so one parent can spend more time raising children?
Maybe, you or someone close was diagnosed with a challenging disease. This is a moment to rally and make every day special.
Sometimes, bad news is a wake-up call to change your life. Never see a stranger again and gift others with your kindness. It’s time to go on your dream vacation, make mends with family members, and live through your heart.
Listen, there’s not one of us who hasn’t been through hard times, and I’m sure, some of you are experiencing it now. But, what I want you to know, it’s only hard times if you let it be. It’s very possible that one day, you’ll look back and recognize it was some of the best times.

By David Tepera, April 9, 2025

Just know, I submit my articles on Sunday afternoons for Wednesday’s column. So, as I’m writing this, I have no idea of Monday nights championship game turnout.
I can only hope as an University of Houston Alumni, that the men’s basketball team finally won the NCAA championship.
Let’s take a little step back in time and dig up some information. Most people don’t know that the University of Houston women had a campus team years before the men. Once Title IX became into law in 1972, the women’s team became official in 1975.
Now, the men’s basketball team did officially start for the 1950-51 season. Since then, the team competed in 7 Final Four appearances. But, it’s heartening to know they have never won the championship.
For all you University of Houston basketball fans, I believe we all remember getting sucker-punched in the final seconds during the 1983 championship against the late Jim Valvano’s NC State Wolfpacks.
That was the era of the Phi Slamma Jamma with Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Michael Young and others, including LaMarque’s true freshman the late Alvin Franklin.
To give credit, Tommy Bonk was a sport’s columnist for the Houston Post. He needed a title for the next day’s article. Well, on that particular night, Houston scored 112 points, with over half coming from dunks. Bonk was the creator for the name Phi Slamma Jamma and the rest is history.
Back in the day, I used to go to College of the Mainland for pickup basketball games in the evening. On one particular night, I had the privilege of guarding Alvin in one of the games. He tried his best, but couldn’t stop my dunk-fest.
Okay, you know I’m fantasizing. Alvin shut my game down and destroyed our team, and he was still in 9th grade. Also, I went to school with all the Franklin family, and they were really kind and friendly classmates.
Kelvin Sampson has been the Houston head basketball coach for 11 years. The program he has built has put Houston back on the map for a team to reckon with.
It’s interesting because I’ve been a cougar during my whole athletic career. From LaMarque cougars to University of Houston cougars.
Again, I have no idea of Monday’s outcome, but I will be watching and cheering on my school with great pride. Go Coogs!

By David Tepera, April 9, 2025

Recently, I was taking a break, relaxing for a moment, and was staring at my hands. I’m turning 64 in a couple of months, and was noticing how much these hands have aged. When dad was dying four years ago, my sister Karen snapped a picture of us holding hands. Dad is twenty years older and you can’t tell whose hands are who in the picture.
Listen, we can’t stop time, but we have control of what we do with our time. Take a hard look at your own hands. How much love have those hands given? How many people have you hugged and touched?
I think of the years raising my children and wiping away tears, applying band-aids, lifting and throwing them in the air as they squealed with laughter, and of course, holding them the day they were born. The list is endless with kids.
What all have you built with those hands? Hopefully, you used your hands to make other’s lives better and not to destroy. We’ve all made mistakes we regret, but your hands can still mend those circumstances. Just think about the power of a true handshake. I even taught my daughter Daylyn the importance of a firm grip.
Next time you hold the hand of an elderly person, take the moment and think of what all those hands have been through.
When I used to train my best friend and 102-year-old Pater Johnson, I knew in those last few months he would be leaving us. Pater and I would spend time together each week, but before I left his house, we would hold hands and say our good-byes. All I could think about from this WWII Vet, is what have those hands been through? I would cry all the way back to our gym. Tina was waiting because she knew I needed help to regain my composure.
How are you going to use your hands today? Do you realize how important our hands are? Would you take millions of dollars to have your hands taken away? Of course not, because that’s the power of having hands.
Now, take a good look at your own hands. Don’t be concerned about the aging process because our hands have done more for us than any other body part. Place your hands against your face and listen to the stories they get to tell.

By David Tepera, March 25, 2025

Did you know that certain stresses lasting minutes or hours on your body is healthy and beneficial? There are plenty of studies proving short-term stresses boosts immune systems, produces endorphins, plus makes you more aware and confident. There’s always a reaction to any action, so the body must respond to stress placed upon it.
How does the body react under weight loading stress? It builds muscle and increases bone density. When you keep the body stressing with a consistent weight lifting program, the muscular and skeletal system will grow. You’ve read it from me many times, but you can still build muscle, bone density, and heal at any age. There are no excuses.
What happens when the body is stressed in heat or a hot environment? The cooling system kicks in with perspiration, along with melanin to protect the skin. In case you didn’t know, your skin is the largest organ of the body. When’s the last time you had a good sweat?
What are the benefits of cold weather conditions? It also enhances immune system to keep the body warm. That’s why in some cases we begin to shiver. The body is creating heat, which also burns more calories.
If you haven’t noticed, there are plenty of “Cryo” facilities popping up all around us. Even some professional athletes own them. Spending several minutes in a supervised sub-cold condition can help with sleep, improved brain function, reduce inflammation, fewer allergies, rejuvenate skin and strengthens your heart.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, I’m not pertaining to extreme conditions. These all have devastating results that’s not part of today’s topic.
When’s the last time you’ve put physical stress on your body? If not, why not? If you live in a sedentary lifestyle, then it’s time to get outside and go for a walk, plant a flower garden, sweep the porch and driveway, or get up and clean your house.
If you are active, then it’s also time to change up your routine. Add an extra mile to your walk, increase the weight to you training program, or choose to exercise on an off-day. The choices are endless.
Listen, placing healthy stress on your body has many benefits to all the systems. This includes cardiac and pulmonary. The heart is a muscle and needs to be exercised. Your lungs oxygenate the entire body, so it’s a must to strengthen their capacity with heavy breathing.
Now, get up and create some healthy stress on your body.