By David Tepera, September 1, 2022

The first time I ever attempted lifting weights was when I was a sophomore in high school. I was a short, skinny kid with hopes of building muscles. It was something I really wanted, so I walked into the school weight room to get started.

The older boys already had big muscles and were throwing around some heavy weights. One of the football coaches was training and teaching the players how to get stronger.

I did my best to not get noticed and worked my way to an empty bench press. I wasn’t sure how much weight to put on the bar, so I made it equal 100 pounds. I thought this would be a good number.

Well, it didn’t go as I’d hope. I quickly found out that I couldn’t even lift 100 pounds. I was so embarrassed as the older boys were laughing at me. The football coach, who was the strongest and most muscled person in the room, came over to me and told me not to be embarrassed. He said that he was about my size at the same age and that you have to start somewhere.

I did walk out to never return throughout high school because I didn’t want to be perceived as weak. I think we all know how tough school kids can be. Just know, I did play sports, so my growth and conditioning came from sports alone.

That statement from the football coach about “you have to start somewhere” haunted me for years. So, finally, at the age of 26, I walked back into the weight room to get started and haven’t stopped in over 35 years.

My life was completely transformed. I’ve been in the health and fitness industry my entire adult life. My athletic kids were raised in this environment. I met my wife in a gym. We both became professional athletes in physique competitions, plus we own a fitness center.

This all happened because I wanted to lift 100 pounds on a bench press.

Now, what do you want to accomplish? Do you have a passion for something that could completely change your life? What and who is preventing you from moving forward?

Don’t let anything stop you. This is your life, and time is a wasting. Sometimes, you don’t need a full plan because things will change along to way. Remember, If you really want it, then just get started.