By David Tepera, March 2, 2022

Recently, I took my 21-year-old daughter Daylyn out for lunch. Along the way, she plugged her music playlist into my truck stereo. To my surprise, we were listening and singing along to Earth, Wind & Fire. Obviously, a group from the late 1970s, which brought me back to my high school days.

Daylyn told me she’s been enjoying the sounds of early years through the 1990s. We had a blast seeing who knew the words to the music, plus laughing along the way because neither of us can carry a tune. Sorry, Daylyn, but it’s true.

On the way back home, Daylyn played one of her new favorites — Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror.” Well, this turned out to be a daddy-daughter lesson. I asked Daylyn if she really paid attention to the words and their meaning? Her answer: “Not really, I just started learning the words.”

I want to share my message to Daylyn with all of you. Listen, this world and our environment are on an unpredictable path. The only thing you can truly control is yourself. Quit making excuses and blaming others for your weakness.

When you are happy with yourself, then you wish the best for all others. If you can’t get out of your funky attitude, then start exercising, along with a better diet. This will immediately impact your attitude. And don’t forget there’s a higher power to pray to. Bottom line, you must find a way to become a better person in our society.

“Man in the Mirror” starts off with a man who wants to make a change for once in his life. He knows it’s going to feel good to make a difference. He sees people who are underprivileged and need a break. The only way to change the world is starting with the man in the mirror.

Why can’t we embrace our neighbors, brothers and sisters? Why not use the same hand that points fingers — to pick someone up?

It’s amazing how the little things can put a smile on people’s face. Tina, the kids and I open doors for everyone, greet people with respect and give compliments.

What changes can you make today? What lessons are you teaching your children? Are you an asset to our society or another laptop bully?

Today, let’s make a decision to make a change in our world. Just remember, it starts with the man in the mirror.

By David Tepera, February 23, 2022

There’s no secret — we all know that we only have so much time on Earth. Of course, none of us knows exactly how much time that is. That’s why we must understand the value of time.

It typically takes 30 days to create a habit, but that habit can change your life for years. Take 30 minutes to an hour to exercise, and it could add time to your life.

Read a book or take a course, and you’ll have knowledge for the rest of your life. Take the time to learn a new skill, and possibly make yourself millions. Don’t waste time — think big.

There are many of us who volunteer or have occupations that require “one on one” personal help for others. As professional trainers, we take pride in changing people’s lives on a daily basis. There are many other professions that do the same.

The question is, “if someone is spending their time to help you, are you appreciative of their time?”

While my children were growing up and playing sports, I volunteered coaching multiple sports for years. It wasn’t often, but I was always taken back by how some parents would react to referees and umpires. Especially, in basketball and baseball. If you don’t like their calls and you’re such an expert, then become a referee, umpire or coach yourself.

Now, how are you spending your days? Are you reaching for improvement on a daily basis? Is your time spent with quality or another wasted day?

Just know, it’s OK to spend a day of relaxation and unwinding. But, this should be a reward for a hard and dedicated week and not just another standard day.

If not already, there will be a time in your life that you’ll lose someone very close. You’ll spend the rest of your life wishing you spent more time with them. Take that lesson now to reach out and find some quality time to build new memories.

Throughout the years, I’ve lost my two oldest sons and a father. There’s not a day that I don’t think of all of them. Even though I have wonderful memories, I wish I could hug them one more time.

Listen, time is precious and never sits still. None of us have an excuse for wasting time and putting life on hold. I understand that you have kids to raise or elderly parents to tend to, but take care of yourself along the way.

Just remember, if you can grasp the value of time, it will change your life.

By David Tepera, February 16, 2022

We can’t choose the life given to us, but we can choose the life we want to live. As children, we have no control of the environment our parents raise us in. Most of us grow up with fond memories, but we know there are those whose childhood was difficult.

When people are financially poor, they may wish for the finer things in life. Also, people who are financially rich, may wish for real loving relationships.

One thing we are all witnessing in today’s world is childhood obesity. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, from 2 to 19 years of age, the obesity average is 21.2 percent. Even more, 42.4 percent of adults are obese. To me, this is crazy. What’s happened to the American population?

Now, there’s nothing wrong with carrying a little extra fat, especially as we get older. This should be the norm, but obesity becoming popular is not acceptable.

To me, the country is getting soft and lazy. This pertains to fast food over healthy cooking, watching TV or social media over exercising, and wanting handouts over working.

What environment are you teaching your children? What life have you chosen for them? Are they going to grow up being another obesity statistic? Are you showing your kids how to work the system through laziness or work ethic? Only you can answer these questions honestly.

Yes, I’m throwing some reality at you today. Just know, for some of you, it’s time for someone to get in your face and tell you to “wake up.” You now have control of your life, so quit making excuses and step your game up.

That’s right, life will sucker punch you sometimes. But get back up and fight. We all have that “fight or flight” mechanism born within us. It’s time to quit the flight and start the fight.

You are never too old, fat or broke to get started. You already know we train lots of people in their 70s and 80s at our gym. I don’t care what your excuse is because we all have them.

Some of us can take bigger steps than others when changing our lives. But, it doesn’t matter the size of the steps as long as you’re moving forward.

Now, starting today, you should recognize that you didn’t have a choice of the life given to you, but you have the choice of the life you’re going to live.

By David Tepera, February 9, 2022

Every day is a battle because things must be accomplished. The world will not hold still and wait on you. If you don’t step into the ring, then you’ve already lost the fight.

There are a variety of battles each of us encounter each day. They are specific to our lifestyles.

Some examples are obesity and health conditions, workplace competition, bad relationships, of course, sports and so on.

Whatever your situation may be, if you really want to win the battle, then turn it into a war. War requires strategy with specific game planning. You must be all in, or you’ll lose.

I must repeat that last statement. To win the war, you must be all in — not sometimes or every once in a while. No — all in — all the time.

When Tina and I wanted to win our pro cards in physique competition, we trained for two years, seven days a week. Back then, it wasn’t easy because I was 55 years old. As you know, we won that war.

Think about every diet plan you’ve been on. Why do you keep losing that battle? It’s because you didn’t go to war by putting in a proper plan to become successful.

Remember, it’s OK to lose some battles, but in the end, you will win the war. Just remember to utilize the lessons of battles lost. So, keep your head high and continue punching.

If you own a business, who or what is your competition? What’s keeping you from taking it to another level? Maybe it’s time to regroup, replan and go to war.

If you’re an employee, what’s your war plan to get to a management position? Your work ethic will help you be chosen over other coworkers for a promotion. Step up your game.

If you’re an athlete, are you happy sitting on the bench? Do you only show up for practice and games? Do you lift weights on your own time? Do you improve your knowledge through books and videos of other teams and athletes playing in your position? Quit blaming the coach for your lack of playing time.

Now, let’s take today as a decision to quit losing battles. Accept that this is a part of our daily lives and start swinging with some haymakers. Don’t give up, and keep your game face on.

Remember, when someone or something wants to battle, give them war.

By David Tepera, February 2, 2022

One lesson I learned as an adult is to not judge people too quickly.

There’s a reason why people we don’t know are called strangers. We come from a variety of backgrounds, health habits, income differences and so on. So, if people don’t look or act like you, then leave them alone and go about your own way.

There are many of us who’ve gone through tragedies and unwelcomed situations. These experiences have molded us into our modern-day character. What’s important is learning to turn negatives into positives.

There’s a time when you need to take control of your situation. A question you must ask yourself is “am I running from something or running to it?”

We have successful self-made clients at our gym. Some of them were determined to change their lives and ran from poverty.

I know people who had enough and ran from bad relationships. So, what are you running from? Whatever it is, just remember, don’t look back. Put your blinders on and stay focused.

Now, let’s flip all this negative thinking and turn it into a positive. Quit running from sadness and start running towards happiness.

If you’re depressed for being overweight and out of shape, then take action. Find a photo of when you were your ideal weight and post it on your bathroom mirror. It’s your reminder to run towards health.

Are you running to finish college, trade school, retirement, investments, etc.?

If you’re in a difficult situation, and doing your best to run towards happiness, but life keeps throwing curve balls, then seek a higher power. God never failed me, especially when I put it all in His hands. There were many times I ran to God and He guided me through the tough times. I also make sure I give Him praise for all the good that’s in my life.

Look, don’t accept failure as a final decision. It doesn’t matter your age, health or financial status. Continue to chase dreams and make it a habit to run towards happiness. Get into motion and you’ll eventually run into success.

Today, you’ve made the decision to take control and quit running from and start running to.

By David Tepera, January 26, 2022

Typically, we all have some type of a wish list. These can be financial, travel, materialistic, health and so on. The question you must ask yourself is, “Have I gotten any closer to anything on the list?”

Now, if you’re still living with only a wishbone, then what’s preventing you from reaching your goals? Are you scared to step out of your comfort zone? Do you care what others will say about you?

Listen, whatever your situation may be, it’s time to grow a backbone and get to work. If your wish is to have something substantial, then it will require discipline.

Hopefully, you learned lessons from elders. Their lives weren’t as easy as today. Almost everything earned required manual labor.

My great-grandparents and their children were sharecroppers on a farm. They worked from sun up to sun down in the fields. The brutal heat of summer was cotton season. My father was the last Tepera to help work the fields.

My point is that our family history was built on worth ethic. I’m fortunate to have this passed down to my sister Karen and me.

Of course, as parents, we want to provide a better life for our children. But, there’s no secret, we see way too often people wanting handouts without lifting a finger. The rest of us have a backbone and go to work each day.

Where’s your backbone? Are you still making excuses for status quo? Why are you unhealthy? Are your bad habits holding you back? Why are you still in a bad relationship?

These are all serious questions that require a backbone to improve your life. It’s time to take a stand. If you do nothing today, then tomorrow is the same. Take control of your life because each day is wasted if you don’t.

For financial success, go to work early and stay later. A raise will eventually follow.

Stand up to the bully, and let them know it’s over. Bullies have an identity crisis, and you threaten them with your beauty and knowledge.

Start cooking healthy meals and quit driving through fast foods. Tie up your sneakers and start exercising. Bottom line — take control of your life.

The only way you’re ever going to truly grow and become happy is to change your wishbone to a backbone.

By David Tepera, January 20, 2022

We all have a competitive spirit born within us. In my opinion, it’s one of the reasons the world continues to evolve and progress.

With every invention, someone wanted to be the first — just like the Wright brothers were the first to fly or when America and Russia competed to be first in space. Of course, the list is endless.

How about you? When you were younger, what all did you compete in? Was it sports, band, dance, performing arts, etc.?

If you really think back to your competitions, more than likely, you lost more than you won. When learning and practicing the activity you chose, each day was a progression of failure. It’s the only way to get better and climb your way up.

There’s not one professional athlete or CEO who hasn’t been knocked down, embarrassed and defeated. But, how did they rise to the top? Because they got up and tried one more time.

Now, hopefully, those early years of competition have played over into your adult life. What are you competing in today? Are you currently happy with your job position? Don’t you want the raise or promotion? How would the extra income impact you and your family?

So, who’s your competition? Is it other coworkers? No, the only competition you have is yourself. If you really want to win, then get up early and stay later.

Before Tina and I won our pro cards as physique champions, we lost many competitions. But, with each competition, we learned our weaknesses and would try one more time.

What’s holding you back? You’re not too old, unattractive or broke. Your problem could be lack of confidence or fear of failure. Quit worrying about what others think. If people say negative things about you, it’s because they’re jealous. Besides, I’m sure they have their own list of problems.

Today will be the day you decided to change your life. Yes, you’ve experienced defeat and it hurt. But, don’t let that be your identity. Don’t let that person or situation keep your down. You’re better than that because you’re beautiful, ambitious and ready take on another challenge.

This is your life ,and you control the outcome. It’s time to get up and try one more time.

By David Tepera, January 12, 2022

A few weeks ago, I shared how 2021 was a challenging year, including everything seeming to fall apart. We felt that we just couldn’t catch a break from every direction.

How about you? Were you diagnosed with a health condition? Are you tired of being overweight and out of shape? Did your relationship with someone deteriorate, separate or end? Have your bills increased and income decreased? What other life situations fell apart?

Well, that’s all fine and dandy for 2021 because 2022 is the year of “fix-it.” It’s time to put a game plan together and mend all the broken parts. This is the year where everything comes together with a new outlook on life. You’re going to close out all the loose ends and start the new you.https://c3b009d64b87404950c00554883674d4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Quit looking in the rearview mirror because all those people and situations are in the past. Let it all go and become the person you were meant to be. You’ve made enough bad decisions, so learn from it and get back on top. Or, you had enough of bad breaks, and this year, “good luck” is your best friend.

Now, let’s take a look at your health. This should be No. 1 on your list of fixing. If you’re in good health, then you’ll have the energy and mindset to tackle all the other situations.

Take the time to see your family practitioner for baseline blood work and physical conditioning. Next, seek a reputable orthopedist to help put a plan together for your ongoing joint pain. There are plenty of nonsurgical conservative treatments available that insurance will pay for.

But really, most of all, start exercising every day. Yes, I said every day because life will tell you when you’ll take a day off.

For whatever reason, did a special relationship end in 2021? Were you heartbroken and upset because you were all in and they weren’t? I know it takes time to get through it, but just work on bettering yourself. You’ll eventually gain confidence and recognize how special and amazing you truly are. This time you’ll find Mr. or Ms. Right instead of Mr. or Ms. Right Now.

Look, we’ve all had something break down or fall apart last year. We must find a way to let it go, fix it and keep moving on. Don’t worry about what others think because it’s only about you. Go live your life to the fullest because 2022 is the fix-it year.

By David Tepera, January 5, 2022

Well, you’re about a week into the new year, so did you start your new exercise and diet program? Do you even have a plan? Are you confused and overwhelmed with all the new fads and choices?

Remember, there’s a lot of hocus-pocus out there that sucks people into buying unnecessary products. I cringe when I see the ads for losing weight by taking a pill or drinking some potion.

I also don’t think it’s necessary to buy the latest and greatest expensive equipment. Yes, it’ll motivate you in the beginning, but that quickly fades.

Now, with more than 35 years in the health and fitness industry and guest speaking across the country, let me share some simple tips to a better quality of life.

First of all, you must lift weights or perform weight resistant exercises, especially as you age. I cannot express enough about the benefits from weight lifting. It’s a complete life changer for all ages to build stronger bones, lean muscle growth, anti-depression, faster metabolism for fat loss, along with many other benefits.

It’s quite exciting watching our 70s club clients grow muscle and reduce or get rid of joint pain. Yes, all 15 are back in the game to enjoy life and hobbies again.

So, it might take joining a local gym, but do your homework because all gyms have different environments. Also, being older and retired, you can choose workout times when it’s less crowded.

I understand that some people need to join weight-loss food programs in order to get control of their eating habits. There’s plenty out there that might fit your needs, plus I have nothing negative to say about them. When utilizing the proper program for your body type and lifestyle, they can be successful.

My two adult children, Tina and I stick to a few simple dieting tips, and we stay lean all year. Just know, as professional athletes, we have never weighed our food or counted calories.

Here’s one example for you to try. The biggest key to losing weight is through carbohydrate manipulation. Carbs are like gas in your tank. You need them to burn as energy throughout your day and workouts. So, it’s important to have carbs for breakfast and lunch. This will give you energy and boost your metabolism.

The enemy of carbs are at dinner and late-night snacking. Usually at this time, people are finished with their daily responsibilities, so lounging and relaxing take place. Because carbs are not being burned for energy, they store to fat. It’s the night carbs that are making you fat.

Of course, there’s so much more to all of this. We give free advice all over the country. I respond to every email received, so feel free to reach out.

Lastly, we have tons of short videos with diet and weight lifting tips on our Facebook page “Ageless-muscle.” Now, if you want results without the stress, then keep it simple.

By David Tepera, December 29, 2021

What a crazy year 2021 has been for my family. It started off with the freeze in February that shut our business down for a few days. Thank goodness we survived without any busted pipes or major damage.

Next, I lost my second oldest son in March and my father in May, as well as other family members and friends throughout rest of year. My strong faith in God kept me moving forward and never falling apart.

Lastly, I got my feet knocked out from under me in October from a serious disease that landed me in the hospital for three weeks. I lost 30 pounds and could barely get around. My wife, Tina, saved me by rushing me to the emergency room several times within a week.

It took some time before the doctors could diagnose my problem. Even though I’m receiving treatment, I’m back to work full time. So, I’m extremely fortunate and counting my blessings.

OK, I know that’s much personal information about me. I’m sure many of you had a worse year than my family and I.

My whole point is whatever life throws at you, don’t give up. These experiences should strengthen you. Just like the callouses on our hands, our hearts grow callouses, too.

I understand that sometimes you want to throw your hands up and lay in the fetal position, but you’re stronger than that. You must keep moving through your daily life. Stay busy and continue to interact with others, which will keep you occupied.

Just continue working with a smile, show love and appreciation to those around you and make the most of each day. It won’t be easy at first, but you’ll push through it and life will become rewarding.

Now, whatever happened to you this year is about to be over. 2022 should be a fresh new attitude, along with new goals and ambition. Yes, life might sucker punch you, but no situation or person can knock you down. It’s game-time baby, and it’s your turn to win the championship.

You and I are in this together. That’s right, 2022 is going to be our year. Look out — because nothing can stop us. We’re going to kick some serious butt and make this the best year ever. All it takes is serious determination and a brand-new attitude.