By David Tepera, January 18, 2023

If you think about it, every movement with our bodies is typically a push or a pull. I try to explain this to people learning to lift weights. If you’re confused about which machines work on certain body parts, then this should help. Today, I’m just focusing on the push muscles. Next week will be the pulling muscle groups.

Your chest, or pectoralis, muscle’s job is to push your arms away from your body. So, any machine, no matter what angle, that pushes your arms away or together is working your chest — for example: bench press, dumbbell presses and flies.

The back of your arms, or tricep, muscle’s job is to push your hands away from your body. So, any machine that requires you to bend your arms and push your hands away is working the back of your arms — for example: cable press downs, dips and dumbbell kickbacks.

For your lower body, it’s the front of your legs or quadriceps muscles that push the weight away from your body — for example: close stance leg press and leg extensions.

Just know, there are other machines and multiple ways of targeting push muscles. I only gave a few examples to help you get started and feel a little more familiar in a gym environment.

Now, what else in your life that needs pushing? Is it you or someone else? For all of you who at one time played sports or had a great coach, then you understand the benefits of someone pushing you to success.

I was fortunate to grow up with a father who was a high school coach. He didn’t really push me into sports, but he did push me into being a respectful young man. My parents’ teaching skills taught me many lessons that helped my own children to grow into productive citizens.

What’s it going to take to push you off the couch or away from your laptop — just like the leg press machine that strengthens the legs? It’s time to jump up and get moving. Quit wasting your life surfing the internet and thinking everyone on social media is your friend.

Yes, you’re going to encounter plenty of roadblocks and barriers, but you now understand the value of push. So, get your game face on and bust your way to success.

By David Tepera, January 11, 2023

We all face many challenges throughout our lives. There’s not one of us who wish we didn’t give up on something that was important to us.

Personally, I feel that when children learn to quit at an early age, they’ll grow into quitters in life. Throughout my children’s youth, I never allowed them to quit any activity. If they didn’t like it, then we would finish the season to never return. But usually, they were only having a bad day or practice, and we’re glad they stayed on the team.

Believe me, there’s been plenty of situations in my life that I regret not standing up for myself or gave up on. Admit it, once you tried to hide from controversy or threw in the towel, in a small way, it depressed you.

Listen, all it takes is finding a challenging task that requires courage and determination. Once you complete it, you feel good about yourself. Too many people want to say, “I can’t,” but from now on, you’ll say “how can I?” It’s time to gain your confidence back and keep pushing forward.

What challenges are you facing today? Do you need more income? Everyone has a set of skills, so how can you make money with yours? Yes, you can start your own business. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

When it comes to your health, how often do you say “I can’t exercise because my knees or back hurts?” You must find a way to get your body in motion and that will help relieve joint pain. Don’t just lay or sit there; otherwise, you’ll keep deteriorating and turn to mush.

As most of you know, our gym’s cliental are mostly those in the older generation. All these people chose to say “how can I” get my life back. We have a lot of fun helping our “70s-plus” clients lifting weights, getting stronger and enjoying life again.

All of us have a different set of challenges. What’s preventing you from putting a plan together for success? This is your life. There’s no dress rehearsal or do-overs. Don’t let each day be a day lost. No, from now on, each day is a day closer to reaching another goal.

There’s no more “I can’t” because you are stronger than that, and will only live by “how can I?”

By David Tepera, January 4, 2023

Personally, I think it’s great that most people set goals for each new year. If you’ve been reading my column long enough, then you know I’m very goal orientated. One thing I try to help people understand is that if your goals are running short or hit a road block, just keep moving because you’ll land back on top.

Of course, we’ve all started the new year and our goals are in full function. Be that health, personal, spiritual or occupational related. Also, keep in mind, every day is a first. Not just the beginning of the year, month or week, but every day.

You must wake each day with a new attitude to accomplish something. Be that great or small, it’s up to you.

What was the first thing you accomplished this morning? Did you wake up before your alarm, make your bed, and prepare a healthy breakfast? Probably most of you can’t start your Wednesdays unless you read my column. OK, that was a joke – maybe.

What I’m trying to relay is don’t wait until tomorrow. Recognize that each day is a first. Quit saying that you’ll start after a certain time frame. Why don’t you start right now?

It doesn’t matter how broke, old or medically challenged you think you are. You’re only using excuses to pacify yourself. Believe me, everyone around you knows you’re just being lazy.

Don’t let this be another year of “woe is me.” Quit making yourself a victim when your condition is choice-related. Take a stand, get up and make this the first day of your new life.

Yes, you’re going to get sucker punched, knocked down and stepped on. But, you’re going to get back up and throw some knockout punches because this is your life.

No one person or situation can keep you down anymore. You’re better than that, and it’s time to prove it to yourself.

Have you ever noticed an infant learning to walk stumbles and falls repeatedly. Over and over, they keep falling, get back up, and try again. You are now that little kid and don’t let those around you keep knocking you down. Keep getting back up and before you know it, you’re not just walking; you’re running towards your destiny.

Let’s all get excited because yesterday is gone, today will be a new first, and tomorrow is another day closer to a better you.

By David Tepera, December 29, 2022

Well, the year 2022 is almost over, and have you put a plan in place to make 2023 even better?

No matter what challenges you faced this year, they should be lessons to make you more driven. Sometimes, we must grit our teeth, harden our skin, and start punching and kicking our way to success.

Tina and I called 2021 our broken year. I lost my father, second-oldest son Dalton, plus I was hospitalized with a rare illness for more than three weeks. All this and other situations took a small toll on our business that set us back.

But, we didn’t let it take us down. We put a plan together to leave 2021 behind and make 2022 the “fix-it” year. We kept our heads high, along with a positive attitude, and kept fighting our way through the year. We brushed off all the small stuff and never let outside influences create a negative impact. We proved that we are stronger than anything thrown at us.

Now, 2023 is coming, and we are ready to make an entry into a brand new and exciting year. As of today, everyone in my family is healthy, including myself making a full recovery.

Our business has never been stronger, plus my speaking calendar is growing.

Now, it’s your turn. What are you exiting that will lead you to a better place? What lessons did 2022 give you? Did you curl up in the fetal position or bear down and fight your way back up?

What’s on your list to exit and never look back? Is it a destructive relationship? Do you need an occupational change? Are you ready to get your health back? Just know, each of these questions are completely under your control.

I understand that sometimes making a change in life is uncomfortable because we are not sure of the outcome. But, if you don’t like your current situation, then do something about it. Don’t throw in the towel, especially when it comes to health.

I promise, if anything, when you start the process of exercising and eating healthier, your life will change. It will give you confidence and self-pride to tackle other challenges. You will no longer be a victim to anyone or any situation. You will become the victor!

Now, get your game face on and exit 2022 and be ready to enter into an amazing year of 2023.

By David Tepera, December 21, 2022

During the holidays, my wife Tina and I have been enjoying watching all the classic Christmas movies. It’s been entertaining while getting us into the holiday spirit.

One movie I wasn’t aware of was “A Christmas Story.” Obviously, I’m in the minority because all my clients were familiar with this classic. Even my 77-year-old client Terry has scheduled a trip to tour the house used in the Christmas Story movie. It was based in Cleveland, and turned into a museum for the millions of fanatic fans.

Well, for all of you who are familiar with “A Christmas Story,” the importance of the Red Ryder BB gun was just as significant in my life as for Ralph Parker. Parker was a 9-year-old boy in the 1940s who dreamed of Santa bringing him a Red Ryder BB gun. His only issue was that everyone kept telling him that he would shoot his eye out.

For your information, the Red Ryder was first produced in 1940 and was named after a comic strip cowboy syndicated in newspapers nationwide.

In my family, my dad was given a Red Ryder in 1947 when he was around 7 years old. That gun stayed at my grandma’s house even when I was a kid. Since we are not a family who hunts, it was the only gun I got to shoot in my youth.

I loved going to visit grandma and pulling out that old Red Ryder. I destroyed many mason jars and tin cans because I was the “Rifleman” of the 1960s.

Well, as to continue the family tradition, fast forward to my son Dylan’s early youth. It was time to buy a new Red Ryder for his first gun. As per my dad and me, Dylan and I would walk along backroad trails and target shoot any debris we could find. It was good ol’ father-son bonding time while building memories.

Today, I still have that Red Ryder available in my hallway closet. It’s only used to chase the squirrels away from the flowerbeds. Just know, it’s not powerful enough to hurt animals.

Now, for all you “A Christmas Story” fans, just know, I never shot my eye out. Wink-wink.

Remember to take time this week and call someone to share love and kindness. Be the twinkle in people’s eyes and the smile on their face. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

By David Tepera, December 14, 2022

There’s no secret, each and every one of us has weaknesses or bad habits. Of course, some are more severe than others. I’m sure one of those destructive habits is keeping you from reaching your potential.

Take a hard look at your life and think about all the good and bad decisions you had made. Every one of those is the reason for your current situation. Hopefully, each year, you are in a better place than before.

But, if not, what’s the one thing you can fix that would change your life?

For me, it seems about every decade, I need to make changes in order to improve my life’s journey.

For example, when I was 26 years old, I decided to go back to college. I didn’t like the career path I was on, so I did something about it and focused on an education. My degrees opened doors that I never could had imagined.

I understand that college is not the answer for everyone. It was just the best decision for me at that time.

Years ago, a friend of mine, who was a family man, had a drinking problem and asked for my help. He was responsible during the week, but drank excessively on the weekends. I had him join me at the gym to lift weights every Saturday and Sunday morning. We did this for over three months and it changed his life.

What’s going to be your wakeup call to get your health back? Do you spend money on prescriptions and doctor’s appointments, or a gym membership?

Be honest, when is the last time you’ve done some sort of exercise? Here is an idea: take the day and detail your house. Wipe the cupboards, baseboards, scrub the bathroom and so-on. I promise, it will be a great workout that will make you proud of your accomplishment.

What would it take to fix and improve your income? Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Make a list of your spending habits and see what needs to be eliminated.

Are there people in your life that’s holding you back? At some point, you need to take up for yourself and control your destiny. Fix it and leave them in your dust.

Starting today, find the one bad habit that needs fixing. Eliminate the smallest one to claim victory. This will help start the process of fixing others and change your life forever.

By David Tepera, December 7, 2022

If you ever pay attention to the statistics of professional athletes, you will notice they typically have more failures than successes.

For example; if a baseball player’s batting average is better than .300, then he’s doing well. That means he is hitting the ball three out of 10 at-bats. So, obviously, he’s striking out more than hitting, but those three hits made an impact.

Right now, the biggest sport being played is FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. There are a lot of people who struggle watching soccer because of the low scores. This is because of continual failures throughout the entire game.

The USA team beat Iran 1-0 in order to advance the next round. How many times did both teams drive the ball down the field only to have the opponent steal the ball back? The entire game was a series of failures with USA winning by scoring only one point.

Just know, professional soccer games are 90 minutes long with a halftime. But, with accumulated stoppages, the game will last around three hours. So, think about sitting around for three hours for only one goal? Obviously, there were plenty more failures than successes.

Now, how many times have you failed this year? The year is almost over, and where have your failures landed you? If you’re giving life your best, then failure should have you sitting in a better position.

Have you ever tried to start your own business? You can ask every successful business owner, and they’ll give you a list of failures during their journey. Also, possible failures still exist, but because of experience, they can be handled properly.

How many diet and exercise programs have you failed? New Years is around the corner, and you’re getting ready to start another one. The only way it will succeed is if you learned lessons from previous failures.

Just know, your whole life has been nothing but continual failures. How many years did you study for an education? Did you ever try to learn an instrument? What about sports and athletics?

To succeed and be good at anything takes time, practice, dedication and plenty of failures.

Hopefully, I’m making sense to you today because if you don’t like where you are in life, then it’s time for more failures.

Now, quit sitting on the bench and hoping success will fall in your lap. It’s time for you to create and build your own productive life. All you got to do is get out there and fail.

By David Tepera, November 30, 2020

There’s not one of us who can’t escape difficult situations. Some of these are self-inflected, while others are not.

Throughout my younger adult life, I was ambitious, including making steps forward and seemed to be on a good path. But, then I would make a bonehead mistake, and it would set me back again. I was one of those “two steps forward and one step back” kind of guys. It got so frustrating, but I knew it was from immaturity.

I think we all know the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. I finally figured out that I was the problem and it was time to become the solution.

Today, I’m in the best relationship I could ever imagine with my wife Tina. Our business is impacting so many lives that we are expanding in 2023. My kids are happy and are productive citizens in their occupations and community.

Listen, I know it sounds like I’m bragging, but I’m also aware that my next problem is around the corner.

OK, so what problems are you facing today? What situations have you gotten yourself into? Sometimes, we want to point the fingers at others, but if you really think about it, you put yourself in that environment.

It was your decision to drink too much alcohol, take the pills or do drugs. It was you who chose to spew mean words at someone that now you regret.

Are you having problems at work? Which path do you choose — to be the “go-to” employee or the whiner?

I once worked for a medical company at which one of the sales reps did nothing but complain at every meeting. Our company was growing, including a great commission package. We were all making good money except for this slacker. Of course, within a year’s time, his lack of work ethic got him fired. Bottom line, he was the problem and chose not to be the solution. Don’t be that guy.

Now, are you ready to become the solution? Quit hanging out with deadbeats and put yourself in a positive environment. You have total control of your destiny. No more setbacks.

Remember, you might be the problem, but starting today, you’ll be the solution. Now, get out there and kick some butt.

By David Tepera, November 23, 2022

When people come to our gym with hopes of changing their lives, we make them understand that reaching physical goals takes time. It took years to get out of shape, so don’t expect results overnight. Together, we will get your quality of life back, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Just stick to the program and stay consistent and you’ll be amazed that at any age or medical condition, you’ll get back to enjoying life again.

We help people understand that each training session doesn’t get easier, it gets better. For those of you who are older or have physical limitations, make sure your trainer or training programs are stimulating the body, not annihilating.

There are plenty of gyms and trainers to choose from, so do your homework and find the best fit for your needs.

After one of my guest speaking appearances, a man challenged me about Usain Bolt being the fastest sprinter in the world. He was letting me know that sometimes a sprint can change your life instead of a marathon.

Even though this gentleman was correct with the statistic, there was an important aspect he needed to understand. Yes, Bolt is the fastest human in the world with record holdings in the 100- and 200-meter runs. But, if you research Bolt, he explains how it took four years of training to be able to sprint 100 meters in 9.58 seconds.

So really, his sprint was a marathon in order to be the best in the world. Where would you be if you trained hard for four years?

Look, your whole life is a marathon. What experiences did you learn from your childhood? It doesn’t matter how good or bad your situation was, it comes down to how, as an adult, you respond to it.

Every failure taught us a lesson to be stronger. How many times have you been knocked down? That number should equal how many times you got back up — plus one.

The marathon that life gives us is not a straight and easy path. How many hills have you climbed? It’s difficult to be the king of the mountain when life wants to throw you down the hill.

When running a marathon, there are so many obstacles along the way, but that’s the beauty of crossing the finish line because you conquered everything in your path.

Now, shut your laptops and get up. Your race is nowhere from being over. Step over the road blocks, and bust through obstacles because life is a marathon, not a sprint.

By David Tepera, November 16, 2022

Throughout our lives, including every day, we make multiple choices that impact our lives. Some could be life-altering and others might seem small, but each choice is yours to make.

Just know, quitting is the easy out, and that’s why so many people choose it. All you have to do is walk away and stop trying. Admit it, there are situations and possibly goals that you gave up on that are still haunting you today. That’s because a quitter never wins and winners never quit.

We can’t take back the past. We can only live in the present and prepare for the future. Your only option for the things you quit on is to wrap them up as an experience. Remember, experiences are valuable lessons.

Now, it’s time to throw away the quitter attitude. Once you’ve quit something, it’s easier to quit everything. From now on, winning is the only option.

Winning is not easy. It takes drive, sacrifice, a strong attitude and not caring what others think. Winners always make it to the top. That’s why there is only one winner and endless amounts of losers.

Where do you want to be today? Are you tired of watching others fly by you? What’s it going to take to step up your game? Bottom line, stop being known as a quitter.

Yes, you are going to lose more than you will win. But, it takes the attitude of digging in deeper to accomplish winning.

Are you happy and comfortable with your current employment and income? What’s your game plan to get the promotion or pay raises? Do you just fly under the radar or are you ready to get noticed by supervisors?

How’s your health? This is one aspect of your life you have total control. Being in orthopedics, I can’t tell you how many times I heard a woman say she is overweight because of being “big-boned.” I’m sorry ladies, being involved in over 3,000 knee replacements, I never witnessed a big-boned lady.

Come on now, don’t get mad at me. Take back your life and start exercising. Let others be lazy and just fade away, but not you.

Quitters love to hang around each other because it makes them feel good about themselves.

Break away and get your game face on because quitters never win and winners never quit.