By David Tepera, September 30, 2026

I heard some wise words that prompted today’s article, so I would like to share my thoughts. Why do we wait all day for 5:00pm? Why do we wait all week for Friday? As kids, we can’t wait to be adults, and as adults can’t wait to find happiness.

There are many scenarios to this equation, so what is yours? Can’t wait to graduate, can’t wait for retirement, can’t wait for this or that.

Listen, life is a journey with every moment a memory. We must realize and embrace life as it is happening. Every photo of you is in the past. Every engagement with others is in the past.

There will be friends and family that you spoke with for the last time and didn’t know it. I do realize this is a little deep, but we must understand that love and special memories are happening right now, so live in the present and embrace them.

Don’t get me wrong, I also get caught up waiting for the day to end, while looking forward to the weekend. But, I’ve made it a habit to take a step back and realize how fortunate my life is today.

Look for the good and positives in your day. For example; if you fix things for a living, your work makes people’s lives better. Whatever your occupation may be, I’m sure you have the opportunity to make someone’s day.

Owning a gym, all our personal trainers have control to their client’s experience. It’s always a pleasure to witness people enjoying themselves while improving their quality of life.

How about you? Are you waiting to start exercising and eating healthier? The only thing preventing you from enjoying today’s moment is you. Why sit around all day with a “stinkin-thinkin” attitude? 

Come on, let’s live in the present. Embrace your significant other and let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Call family members and let them hear your voice. It’s more personal than texting.

Bottom line, we’ve got to quit waiting for something better when the best is happening right now. You just need to open your eyes and see it.

By David Tepera, September 30, 2026

How fortunate we all are to be alive with the possibility to impact this world. The purpose of childhood is preparation for the work that’s ahead of us. As adults, our work on earth is never over until the Lord is ready for us.

Every day has a work schedule, so what’s on your list? How will you make this world a better place for others? It’s as easy as being kind to everyone you encounter.

I’m sure we all know someone who sees the worst in everything. Listening to their rant gets old fast. My typical response is “I respect your opinion, but I’m having a good day, so I’ll keep on moving”. Release these people because you got work to do.

As most of you know, I was a single parent to my two children until the youngest reached high school. Growing up in sports and athletics my entire life, I found it equally important for my kids to have the same experience. You see, sports is similar to life. You win, lose, get knocked down, bloodied, bruised, commitment, all while building character and respect. Even in a losing season, you win lessons to try harder.

We all raise our kids they way we think best, so don’t get your feelings hurt when I let you know that mine didn’t play in any sport that gave out participation trophies. Remember, my dad was Coach Ray Tepera, so I grew up in a gym and practice fields. You had to earn winning, just like life.

Now, where ever you are at this moment, you got some work to do. First of all, you have to work on yourself. What food will you choose to put into your body? What thoughts will you allow to enter your mind. Just know, your thoughts transform into action, so be wise.

Listen, don’t give up, or throw in the towel. Come-on, this is your day to turn it around and change your life and those around you. You have that power.

Why don’t we all dig deep, love life and get out there because we got some work to do.

By David Tepera, September 14, 2026

Recently, Tina and I were in discussion about how long it’s been since we’ve been on a real date. We do grab a bite to eat once a week at a variety of restaurants, but it’s after work, so we are still in our gym attire.

I told Tina, it’s time for a date night, so get up, get dressed and let’s get out. I do understand for all you ladies, that getting dolled-up is a process, so men be patient because the final results are typically stunning. Remember, that’s your woman, so be proud.

When’s the last time you and your significant other got dressed up and went on a date? Admit it, dressing up and looking snazzy puts you in a good mood. Sometimes, we forget how beautiful we really are.

Guys, remember courting your wife? How special did you treat her? What were your handsome traits to reel her in? It’s time to surprise her with a dressed-up date. Of course, this pertains to all relationships.

This also made me reflect about other scenarios to which people need to get out. How many hours are wasted on social media? For me, it’s hard to understand why people waste their time following other people’s experiences. Why not create your own? Why are you sitting there wasting life away when your own life experiences are right outside the front door?

If you need some confidence or fighting depression, then get up, get dressed and start exercising. Get that body in motion to generate positive endorphins. I promise, movement will reduce aches and pains, better circulation, mental acuity, plus many other health benefits.

Aren’t you bored sitting around making excuses? Don’t point your finger at others for your decisions. Just know, there are people who want you to stay down because it makes them feel better about their own laziness. That is no longer you.

Your mind and body are stronger than you give it credit. Fill it with laughter and love to build a better quality of life.

So, here we are – It’s time to get up, get dressed and get out there to have some fun.

By David Tepera, September 6, 2026

There’s no secret, going through life has many emotions. We all encounter successes and failures through every task we attempt. But, what happens is people hold themselves back due to perceived failures or other’s opinions.

Remember, failure is part of the journey. If you haven’t failed, then you didn’t try hard enough. Name something you are good at. How many failures did it take to succeed at it?

For all you athletes, how many times did you fall, get bloodied, sprained joints, knocked down, but got back up to fight another day?

Stop worrying about making mistakes, you will survive them. There are times I reflect over my past mistakes and feel disappointed with myself. Then, I realize that those mistakes led to something greater and I wouldn’t change it.

What’s preventing you from taking risks? Admit it, how many times do you regret not taking a particular risk? Where would you be today if you took that one risk that could had changed your life for the better?

Tina and I don’t regret our pasts because we know every good and dumb decision led us to each other. All the ups, downs, twists and turns through life made our paths cross. Otherwise, we would have never met.

Don’t misunderstand my message. I’m not suggesting to do anything that could be destructive or detrimental. Keep a positive mindset and don’t let others detour your personal journey.  

Now, what’s weighing on you? What and who is preventing you from changing your life?

Let’s start with your health? How many hours do you spend on your phone? Why not put it away for an hour and take a walk? Maybe, it’s time to eat healthier instead of driving through the grease pit or sugar loaded coffer shops.

As we age, our bodies become weaker which leads to falls and breaks. Do something about it and pick up some dumbbells or join a local gym. For you seniors, there are gyms that accept Silver Sneakers from Medicare to pay memberships.

All our experiences mold us into the person we’ve become. Your character is not what challenges you’ve faced, but how you responded to them.

Today, we are all going to put on a game face, pound our chests because nothing can hold us back, so let’s go for it.

By David Tepera, September 2, 2026

Starting from childhood, what’s been your favorite form of exercise or activity? We all go through different phases as we get older, but if your body would allow, then what is it?

I’m not going to give a list to choose from because it would take up the rest of this article. We all have individual experiences, so pick one.

Let’s take it way back. Who thinks they could still spin a hula-hoop? Today, I’d probably throw out my back. I’m sure there’s plenty of you who use to jump all day on a pogo-stick. Now, probably project into a wall and break an ankle.

Okay, now let’s catch up to your current physical condition. What activity is reasonable for you to enjoy? For those with severe joint problems, you should consider pool exercises. The buoyancy of water relieves joint stress. This is a great way to get your body moving again.

Do your research because there’s plenty of local programs who offer these pool exercises.

What prompted this article is that I finally dusted off the old bicycle. You see, when Tina and I started our business eight years ago, I stopped riding my bike. Running a gym, plus training people all day, requires a lot of energy.

Well, turning 65 made me reevaluate my physical condition. I still lift weights each week to keep my body strong, but noticed my cardio condition needed improving. We have plenty of cardio machines at the gym, but was boring for me. Then it hit me of how much I missed riding my bike.

I cleaned it up, aired the tires and took off from the house. Staying clear from the main roads, I rode through subdivisions until I hit the trails. I was able to let go of the daily grind as I enjoyed the beauty of nature around me.

I know the heat has been brutal lately, so pick a desired time of day. Also know, that riding a bike creates a breeze which helps cool body temperature.

Hopefully, as you are reading this, there is some type of activity spinning in your head. What’s preventing you from enjoying that again? 

I know an elderly lady taking dance classes. Some of her friends made fun of her until they saw how much her love of life improved.

Look, this is your life, restart your favorite activity and dance like no one’s looking.

By David Tepera, August 25, 2026

First of all, I want to thank the countless emails I receive each week from readers of my column.

I’m humbled by your kindness letting me know the positive impact I’ve made in people’s lives.

On a side note; I encourage everyone to reach out to the other columnists with kindness and thankfulness. I promise, it will make their day.

Don’t we all want people to treat us with kindness? Of course, none of us are perfect, but that’s what makes us unique.

This world has become so fast pace that people are in a hurry to get from one place to the other. Maybe, it’s time to slow down and have compassion for one another.

Every morning, I rejoice and choose happiness because I get another day to touch someone’s life. Tina is not a morning person, so I do get on her nerves for a few hours.

Look, slough off the haters because they are jealous of something you’ve accomplished. Don’t get pulled into their negative world. Be yourself, find a smile in the hardest moments, and keep moving forward.

Kindness is free medicine we can all share. It instantly changes emotions, reduces stress, improves mood, builds self-esteem, and strengthens relationships.

Believe it or not, physically, kindness may lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, can improve sleep, increase energy, plus encourages physical activity.

Just know, all of this happens when you are giving or receiving kindness. I think we would all like some of that free medicine, so why not share it?

When you are changing other’s lives, you are changing yours along with them. People who choose meanness will find themselves living in a negative world. They will also attract other negative people towards them.

Just like kindness and love will attract positive-minded people into their circle. The choice is clearly up to you.

Now, who’s life will you lift today? Why not live the day like you won the lottery? Wouldn’t you greet everyone with the biggest smile?

We never know what the person in our path is facing. None of us can escape difficult challenges or death of a loved one. It’s very possible that you helped some stranger with just a good-ole-Texas smile, followed with a “howdy”, while opening the door.

By David Tepera, August 19, 2026

From an early age, we start with many physical challenges. When babies learn to walk, they don’t make excuses, they just keep getting back up. What none of us remember is that walking is a continual fall. We learn to put one foot in front of the other to keep from falling down.

Of course, from there, we learn to run, which is a continual fall at a faster pace. This is something we all accomplished without excuses.

At what age did making excuses become the norm? Is your present physical condition a result from a healthy lifestyle or an excuse of laziness and abuse?

Please, don’t misunderstand me. To me, a healthy lifestyle consists of at least moderate exercise, portion-controlled meals, minimal alcohol, along with water hydration.

Notice, I didn’t mention excessive exercise and strict meals. Don’t worry about carrying a little extra weight as long as you are able to enjoy life. If you keep everything moderate, then your prescription list will dwindle. Believe me, we hear these testimonies frequently from our clients. That’s what results sound like.

Also, don’t be hard on yourself. Quit looking at your perceived flaws and saying negative comments about you. When people go down the excuse road, it’s easy for Mr. Depression to enter the mind. That’s not acceptable, so punch him in the face and start creating results.

When I guest speak about fitness and nutrition, one of my opening lines is letting people know that what ever physical appearance they currently possess, they’d be surprised how many people find them attractive.

Here’s a little secret; physical appearance is only a shell, as long as you project confidence, treat people with respect, along with an infectious laugh, then you become the sexiest person in the room.

Listen, we can all make excuses for every aspect of our lives. This includes relationships, employment, finances, self-inflicted health issues, addictions, or you fill in the blank.

Just know, nobody cares about excuses. That is one thing we all share. It’s results that separate us from each other, so why not you? It’s never too late. Our oldest client is 92-years-old and is building his strength to reach new goals. He has given up his walking cane and drives to our gym, so none of us have excuses.

Let me ask you one more time – results or excuses, which one is you?

By David Tepera, August 9, 2026

Due to our presence across the country, it’s very common for people to ask a variety of questions about the timing of lifting weights.

Parents are concerned when their young athletes, involved in sports, should begin a weight training program? Here’s my broad range response; typically, around the age of 12 to 13, this should be the introduction to the weight room. It’s not about how much you lift, but understanding proper technique and etiquette. The weight room is not forgiving; it’s the human body against heavy metal. You must respect the weights, because if not, the body will lose. Hopefully, most of you understand that statement.

My son Dylan and I have been invited to many middle and high schools for input in their athletic weight training program. Dylan is a local known role model for not only young athletes, but special needs as well. That’s another subject for those parents to reach out of how we can change those lives.

Weight training is important for people of almost every age, but when does it become more of a health decision, instead of body composition?

There’s no secret, young adults in their 20’s and 30’s with muscular bodies attract more people than not. It’s the age of learning and exploring adult life, but weight training has additional benefits.

 Now, starting around the age of 40, our bodies are making another adjustment. Women and men realize that youth is in the rearview mirror. To me, it’s the beginning of mature beauty.

Gentlemen, let the young bros battle each other to be the strongest in the gym because no one really cares, especially the ladies.

For the women getting older, just know, if you’re in the gym lifting weights, it makes you sexy, so stop comparing yourself to the twenty-year-olds.

Okay, back to business. The real message is that every age is important to lift weights, even more for the elderly.

Do you find yourself physically weak, no energy, depressed, with no zest for life? Don’t only rely on a handful of prescriptions, so why not stimulate your body through weight resistance?

Listen, there is no age limit on lifting weights. Never think you can’t improve your health because it’s as easy as picking up a few dumbbells to get back in life.

By David Tepera, August 5, 2026

When it comes to medical insurance, I believe we all have our opinions about costs and coverage. As we get older, it is important to have financial help when faced with a medical condition. At the ripe-old-age of 65, I am comfortable with the Medicare programs I chose to meet my needs.

For me personally, I never had health insurance until I went into the medical industry around the age of 40. The only reason I took it was because the company I worked for paid it. The program was good, but I only used it when the kids needed tubes in their ears.

Just know, the first time I ever tapped into health insurance was at the age of 60 due to a severe reaction from a vaccination.

Listen, the following is only my personal opinion and decision. We all must choose what’s best for our health. My whole adult life has been surrounded with health and fitness. I was never diagnosed, but my energy level didn’t slow down until in my 50’s.

To me, it was a waste of money to have medical insurance when I lived a healthy lifestyle. I did understand that accidents are around the corner, but that was the chance I was willing to take.

Here’s a crazy statistic for you; I didn’t pay health insurance from the age of 20 to 40. If calculated at an average of $500 per month the entire 20 years, I saved $120,000 dollars by just being healthy.

What’s your lifestyle costing you? How many prescriptions are you on? Are you improving your doctor’s life or yours? What insurance program are you on?

Come on, this is a reality check. Don’t get me wrong, Tina and I take time out to have fun and get away from the stress of owning a business. Our vacations have nothing to do with being healthy. We eat and drink what ever we choose, but that’s only temporary.

What does your daily life consists of? Are you exercising, lifting weights, consuming healthier meals, hydrating with water, plus getting plenty of sleep? That’s totally your decision.

One thing we all have in common is making excuses. That’s the easy way out. Why not change all that today? Shut your laptops, turn off the phones and televisions, and get your butt up.

Quit relying on your insurance program when it’s cheaper to make healthier decisions. I promise, you’ll start enjoying life again.

By David Tepera, July 29, 2026

Recently, I was conversing with one of our senior clients about life. Mary came to me expressing her disappointment and depression of the world around her.
I responded with let’s take a look at your current situation. First of all, we all have negative forces knocking at the door, but it’s up to us to open it or not.
Mary and her husband have been training at our gym for over five years, so we know them well. We’ve even met several times outside the gym for dinner.
I told her why not focus on all that’s good, so let’s go through the list. Mary started off slow by listing being retired, house and all vehicles paid off, plus financially stable.
Yes, Mary, that list is a reflection of years of hard work and sacrifices, but what’s the most important factor in all our lives? At first, she was a little confused until I asked about her health. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or luxury materials if you can’t enjoy them due to health problems.
For example; I actually train an elderly man who is a billionaire. He didn’t recover well from knee replacements due to not being compliant with rehab. Henry came to me for help expressing that he has all the money imaginable, but can’t enjoy it since his health is failing. Just know, over the years, I did help Henry get back in the game of life.
Now, back to Mary because she is just like a lot of us. We get caught up on the negatives, and not realizing good is all around.
“Mary, tell me about your current health condition since you’ve been weight training?” Her eyes lit up realizing her prescription list has dwindled, no more aches and pain, hiking on vacations, plus enjoying hobbies again.
I asked Mary “out of everything you shared with me, which topic mattered most?”. Of course, we all know that answer. She just needed a reminder.
How many of you have similarities with Mary? It’s too easy to look at the negatives in the world when goodness is right in front of us.
Listen, the only thing you can control is you. What you think about is a decision, so why not focus on the good.
I promise, there are more people than you think who love you. It’s my reminder to let you know it’s alright.