By David Tepera, October 29, 2024

It’s interesting, how common Tina and I are approached in public. The typical questions asked pertains to weight training. Remember, we are in the older population, so we do stick out from the average, especially Tina. The one message we try to instill is about the lifestyle outside the gym.

When we were competing, weight training was the easy part. It’s the discipline of diet that was the most difficult. Anyone can lift weights, but eating clean, no alcohol, and minimal social life was the biggest challenge.

When you see someone who is very muscular and has a strong physical presence, it’s what they do outside the gym that makes a difference. If you are truly dedicated to changing your life and body, then what are you doing once you leave the gym? Are you still eating at the drive through grease-pit? How many fancy coffee drinks do you consume each week?

Listen, I’m not telling you to live the lifestyle of a body builder, but it might be time to start cooking healthier meals. You all know every Sunday, Tina and I cook and prep our meals for the following week. Our goal is to eat healthy Monday through Friday. It’s almost ritual for us, as a reward, to throw down Mexican food and margaritas Friday evening.

I can’t tell you how many times people have reached out to us about doing a ton of sit-ups because they thought that’s how you get ripped abs. Listen, a six-pack is not built in the gym, it’s built in the kitchen. We all have abs, but if all you do is eat junk, then you’ll never see them.

Now, think of this, I know many people who enjoy expressing their religion. Some sing in the choir, others ring bells, and there are those who quote scriptures. But, what’s your style of living outside the church? Do you continue a God-fearing life, or you only good for Sundays?

Just like the gym, it’s outside the church that determines your character. How do you treat all people? We are in trying times and it’s time to come together. We shouldn’t care of one’s religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political views, race, income status, and so-on. We are all as one and should love each other as so.  

So, when you go outside your house today to take on the world, be the one who makes the world a better place. All it takes is being kind.