By David Tepera, May 18, 2022

Being a small-business owner and a medical trainer, there’s really only one issue we deal with frequently that’s frustrating. This is when a client cancels a training session with less than an hour of set time or does a no-show.

Now, we do understand that emergencies happen. But, there are those who do this on a regular basis. Bottom line, you don’t respect people’s time. Of course, this issue is shared by every business that sets appointments. Especially, those deemed as non-essential services such as nail salons, hair styling, personal training, wellness spas and so on.

What people need to understand, even though you might think some services are only a luxury, it’s still a business. Time management is one of the most important factors to run a successful business. When one client doesn’t commit to their scheduled time, it’s a waste and loss of money.

Let me break it down a little further from our business plan, which is similar to others. Between Tina, Dylan and I, we each train 10 to 12 clients a day. This means our first client starts at 4:30 a.m., rotating each hour through 5 p.m. Plus, Dylan works until 8 p.m. during the week, including weekends. Our goal each day is to get in the zone and create an exciting and productive environment.

Now, at least 95 percent of our clients give plenty of notice when they need to miss a training session. This allows us to rearrange others and fill in their time slots. This keeps the day moving and helps others have an opportunity to possibly train at a better time. As a business, there’s no money lost, no down time, and the day stays in the zone.

For all us business owners, when you continually cancel at the last moment, even though we’ll give you courtesy, just know we’re not happy about it because you just threw a kink in our day.

This is why some businesses will charge you a cancellation fee. We’ve never charged anyone for missing a session. We’re here to help you obtain a better quality of life. The only way you’ll ever reach your goals is through consistency. Otherwise, you’re wasting your money. Just remember, we all want respect, so make sure you’re courteous of other people’s time.

By David Tepera, May 11, 2022

I believe it’s easy to state that we are all products of our childhood. As children, we don’t get to choose our neighborhoods, foods to eat or the values our parents taught us or not.

I understand this topic can go into many directions, with some not too pleasant. That’s not the purpose of today’s lesson.

What I want you to think about and understand, that as an adult, you now completely control your environment. Don’t let anyone think you can’t, and quit making excuses if you’re not where you want to be in life.

I know plenty of people who didn’t grow up in a healthy environment and are now successful in business and as a parent. I’m sure you know people yourself, or you are one of them.

OK, how can you start making changes for a better life? It’s as simple as eating healthier and exercising, plus it really doesn’t cost more than your bad habits.

Now, don’t put this paper down because you don’t need someone telling you to be healthier. I get it. Everyone of us knows we need to improve our health. It’s just that exercising can truly change your life. It changed mine, plus I get to witness it every day in our gym.

What other areas of life do you control? What are your good and bad habits? Do you abuse alcohol or drugs? Are you addicted to social media and became an internet bully? What type of music do you listen to? Where do you get your daily news? Bottom line, what are you filling your mind with?

At Ageless Muscle, we have the oldies rock station playing all day. It’s funny because Dylan is 23 years old and knows classic rock. It’s not his style of music, but he appreciates the era.

What environment are you raising your children in? What values and respect are they learning? Hopefully, your children learn to be kind and helpful to all people because we are of one. Expose your children to a healthy lifestyle. Take them outdoors and find activities to interact with. Hold them and tell them everyday how much you love them because one day you’ll miss them.

Just remember, you shouldn’t try to control others and don’t let them control you. You choose your own destiny, so let’s make today better than yesterday.

By David Tepera, May 4, 2022

Because our business caters more toward those in the older population, we have clients and friends who are widows and widowers. Just as the statistics show, usually women out-live men.

It’s interesting because the older females we know are working out and exercising in order to continue enjoying life. Even though they would like to have a companion, as one female client said it, “She is not looking to be a nurse with a purse.”

So, all you older single men, quit sitting around and letting Father Time take you down. It’s never too late to get yourself back in decent shape. You never know when you might meet a special person and you want to be able to bring excitement into the relationship.

And, to those who are married, what benefit do you bring to create a successful marriage? Is it one-sided or a true partnership?

Besides relationships, this goes the same with businesses, organizations and teams.

We all have coworkers or business partners. What benefits do you bring to the table? Are you productive, on time and reliable? Is your worth more than your paycheck? Only you can answer that honestly.

We all know those who only do enough to get by. They typically hang out in the break-room, on their phone, and are taking days off or finding a way to get out of work.

I once had a business partner with one of my medical companies. This guy was more interested in going to the gym instead of taking care of clients. It didn’t take long for me to give him his last paycheck and send him on his way. My reputation was on the line.

Everyone is looking for leaders, so why shouldn’t that be you?

If you play sports and are part of a team, what’s it going to take to be a starter? What quality and skills put you in a leadership position? Is the team better with you as a leader? Will you lead everyone to victory?

This skill can be used in every aspect of life.

Maybe today can be a reason to reflect over your life and figure out a way to get moving again. Don’t accept being older as an excuse for not enjoying or getting ahead in life. You’re better than that.

You still have a purpose in life, so get up and be someone who brings benefits to create success.

By David Tepera, April 27, 2022

One lesson from life that I learned throughout my adulthood is to sell people on themselves. Don’t waste people’s time by talking about yourself. Believe me, they don’t care.

If you want people to like you, then get them to talk about themselves. As you listen to them brag or boast about their accomplishments, give them words of encouragement and excitement. They’ll think you’re awesome, and you didn’t have to say too much.

The one word we all love to hear the most is our name. If you learn to repeat people’s names back to them, you’ll have their undivided attention.

During my sales calls as a medical representative, I would ask surgeons about their experience with certain products or surgical procedures. It was interesting because most of them presented themselves as the expert. I slowly pulled them in to trust me and try using my product. I made my company and me a lot of money in those days.

Just know, the products I sold were state-of-the-art, and patients had better lives because of them. Surgeons trusted me because I trained them on cadavers and went into surgery with them.

No matter what type of sales you’re in, learn to listen to your prospect.

Employees, if you’re wanting to be noticed or are looking for promotions and raises, start having conversations with those in charge. Repeat their names often, and ask them for their expertise. You’ll have their attention, plus the extra money is around the corner.

Is there a certain someone that has your eye? Are you scared to seem like an idiot because you don’t know how to strike up a conversation? Just start with some simple questions, and let them talk about themselves. Make sure to come off as a genuine person and give sincere compliments.

Being in the health and fitness industry, it’s easy to get people to talk about themselves. Everyone has a diet failure or health issue. I’m here to give encouragement and help steer them in a better direction.

Now, how are you going to start having conversations with people? Are you one of those that has to tell everyone your ailments and personal problems? Stop doing that because we all have life issue to deal with, and we don’t want to hear yours. Believe me, everyone is trying to avoid you.

It’s interesting because we can all improve our lives and those around us by just asking people to talk about themselves. I hope you get it.

Lastly, I want to wish my amazing wife Tina happy birthday today.

By David Tepera, April 20, 2022

Recently, I asked Tina to give me some inspiration for the coming weekend. We put in more than 60 work hours each week, so I wanted to know what my wife was looking forward to on our days off.

Tina really warmed my heart by telling me that even though we work all day together, she couldn’t wait to hang out and just spend time with her husband and best friend.

So, I really started thinking about how special weekends or days off should be. Most people work for an employer and must comply to their work description. Bottom line, someone is telling them what to do. There’s nothing wrong with that in order to create success and production. I’m just making a point.

You see, days off should be totally under your control. Did you eat healthy all week and now it’s time for a reward of your favorite dessert? Were you stuck in an office building all week, and now you get to enjoy the outdoors?

Just like Tina and I, were you and your significant other working hard all week to pay the bills, and now it’s date night?

Obviously, the list is endless according to your life. Even if you decide to just chill and get rest all weekend, it’s OK because it’s your choice.

Now, I know plenty of people who are ambitious and use their days off to start a side business. Their goal is to create more income and to take control of their lives.

Believe me, for all of us independent business owners, there’s really no time or days off. Our son Dylan works seven days a week at our gym. His work ethic is off the chart. He loves changing lives, and makes a good living doing it. Our goal over the next year is for Dylan to run his own fitness center.

But really, Dylan’s story is like many of yours. Through my travels and guest speaking, I’ve had the privilege of meeting plenty of self-made wealthy people. Most of them don’t have a college education, just a strong passion and very productive in their spare time.

So, what are your plans for the coming days off? Is it time for a reward, helping others, being productive or just an opportunity to chill? No matter what’s happening in your life, try to make the days off special.

By David Tepera, April 13, 2022

Over the past many years, as I’ve encountered countless people and situations, I’ve learned to allow others to make mistakes. I feel sometimes people are too hard on each other for making wrong decisions. It doesn’t mean their actions or words were done with a negative intent. It just ended up that way in the end.

Even as parents, as much as we try to be role models for our kids, we must allow ourselves to make mistakes.

On one particular incident, when my kids were young, I came home from work to find they didn’t finish their chores. Before I asked any questions, I gave them a bit of a tongue lashing because I was teaching them responsibility.

Well, once I was through yelling, Dylan apologized for not finishing because they spent the last hour helping a neighbor find their dog. Now, I was apologizing, hugging and explained parents will make mistakes, too.

Listen, if you think about it, we spend our days trying to not make mistakes. We set alarms to not be late for work. What’s your first meal of the day? Is it healthy or another fast food drive-through? Before you leave the house in the morning, do you yell at your spouse and kids, or do they get hugs and kisses?

If you’ve ever played sports or battled in competition, typically the winner is the person or team who made the least mistakes. Turning the ball over will set you back, causing penalties gives the other team an advantage, and the list is endless if you didn’t prepare properly.

We have many people come to us who’ve failed diet after diet. They are frustrated with themselves because the weight gain came back, and they’re depressed.

We let them know to quit jumping to the latest trends of dieting. There are such a variety of diets on the market it will make you head spin. It’s a billion-dollar industry because people keep failing them.

Of course, there’s more to it, but really, it all comes down to portion control. If you want some simple basic tips to lose weight, email me. The Ageless Muscle team gives free advice all over the country.

Now, no matter what’s going on in your life, don’t cast stones or beat yourself up because we all make mistakes.

By David Tepera, April 7, 2022

First of all, there is nothing wrong with wishing for things. We can ignite positive endorphins by thinking in a fantasy world.

It’s this fantasy mentality where great ideas and inventions are created. There have been plenty of private moments where I tapped into my positive thinking to attract goodness into my life. Believe me, it works.

But, let’s get to reality. You can wish all you want, but without a good work ethic, you’ll never accomplish or receive it.

Most everyone wishes for a better physical body, but without the work and dedication, it’ll never happen. That’s why the obesity rate is skyrocketing and increasing every year. Also, it’s why plastic surgery, liposuction and all the gastro-intestine surgical weight loss programs are booming.

Listen, I’m all for plastic surgery and other procedures that give you confidence and make you feel better about yourself. Even Tina and I will botox parts of our face when we are getting ready for competition. Remember, as the oldest competitors, we compete with people 20-30 years younger than us, and we win.

Being in the health industry, I’m also aware of people who won’t put in the work to lift weights and eat healthy. Even though it costs plenty, they’d rather go under the knife, have down time and let someone else take their fat off.

I’ve said it plenty of times that abs are built in the kitchen, not in the gym.

Do you wish for more income? Have you established a plan to create more money? My best advice is to start a side job of something you have a passion or special skill in.

Are you good with woodshop tools? People love to display wood art in their yards. Is your hobby and passion in the hair and makeup industry? It’s prom time and parents are spending crazy money for their daughters to have professional makeovers. Also, weddings and bridesmaids have their special days, too. Most people don’t realize, but in the bodybuilding world, all the women get professional makeovers. They are always searching for help.

Anyway, you get my point. I’m just trying to make you to think because you get what you work for, not what you wish for.

By David Tepera, March 30, 2022

I don’t know who to give credit for this statement because I’ve heard it at different times throughout my life, especially during my martial arts career.

So, let’s think about this quote, “sometimes a teacher, but always a student.” What meaning does this have for you? Yes, we can feel like we are the expert on certain subjects and particular jobs, but isn’t there always more to learn?

At our gym, with me being the oldest instructor, along with having an orthopedic background, I’m known as the master of knowledge for all our clients and trainers.

I’m also constantly teaching my wife Tina and our son Dylan how to train people with specific health issues. They have become incredible and knowledgeable professional trainers, plus they are experts within their own right.

As much as I would like to toot my horn, I’m also very humbled to realize there’s so much more to learn. This is why I frequently meet with a very well known orthopedist.

We go over X-rays, MRIs, multiple surgical repairs and so on. This surgeon has become my mentor, as I’m their student. And no, we are not violating any HIPAA laws.

How about you? Whatever your occupation and passion may be, isn’t there more to learn? Would this extra knowledge change your life? Could you make more income or become more successful in helping others?

What value do you behold? The world is constantly changing, along with every industry. Are you staying up with the latest technology in your field? Do you realize to not stay stagnant and keep pursuing knowledge?

I once read one of Henry Ford’s books. In it, Ford stated that he wasn’t the expert in all the details to build the finest car. But, what he was good at was hiring and surrounding himself with people who are the experts. This is why he became one of the richest men in his era.

Think about his advice. The only personal trait Ford cared about when hiring someone is their credentials. Only the best got the job, and they were paid handsomely for it.

Now, what changes are you going to make today? Isn’t it time to learn more and build your own brand? Just remember, the only way to jump ahead in life is to realize “sometimes a teacher, but always a student.”

By David Tepera, March 23, 2022

A very common statement we hear from women who inquire about lifting weights is, “I don’t want to get too big.” We do understand your thinking, but it’s only a myth. Let’s be realistic, that statement is only an excuse.

Unless, you have certain genetic traits, women’s muscles will never grow too big. My wife Tina possesses those genetics because of her amazing shoulders, back and arms. This is what helped her win pro cards while in her mid-40s.

But, also know, besides the genetic gift, for women and men, the only way to grow large muscles is by lifting heavy and eating every two hours on a high caloric diet. It is challenging, along with discipline and hard work. Of course, there’s more to it, but these are the basics. And no, I’m not pertaining to performance enhancing drugs.

I once read that a man approached Arnold Schwarzenegger and told him, “I will never want to look like you.” Schwarzenegger’s reply, “don’t worry, you never will.”

Bottom line ladies, your muscles won’t get too big, but you’ll love the look of being toned and athletic. How much more comfortable would you be wearing sleeveless shirts? Spring and summer are here, so it’s time for shorts and skirts, too.

What other areas in your life do you want to grow big? Most of us would like to make more money. What steps have you taken to grow your income? Does this require putting in overtime, starting a second job or going to night school? It takes hard work to grow financially.

Besides us, we have many friends who started their own businesses. The one common denominator each of us possessed was hard work. There are many of you who can relate to discipline and dedication of 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Whatever your goal is, just know, we all have hard work genetics. Our ancestors had difficult lives, so they passed on the gene of survival. This is embedded deep into your soul and body.

Now, get off the couch, shut your laptops and get back in the fight of life. No longer will you accept status quo because today you’ll knock off the dust and dig into survival mode.

This time, you’re not only going to get big, but you’ll be huge from all the hard work.

Lastly, I’d like to wish my amazing wife a happy anniversary. I love you.

By David Tepera, March 17, 2022

Is life giving you battles? We all have a variety of obstacles we face each day. These could be financial, relationships, occupation and even the death of a loved one.

Of course, any of these could lead to depression. Just know, you’re not the only one out there battling through life. What you must remember is to keep pushing through it. You can’t stop in the middle of the battle. I promise, the reward is on the other side, so keep up the fight.

If you got sucker punched, get back up and start swinging. Yes, the world doesn’t always seem fair, but if you stay in the fight, you will win.

I’m like you. I’ve been through bankruptcy, deaths of loved ones, divorce and even a five-year child custody battle. All of these situations wore me down mentally and physically, but I never gave up.

As I’ve stated, the reward is on the other side. In the end, I won custody of my kids, was offered a better paying job, learned to honor death and found my eternal soul mate, Tina.

What’s your battle today? Of course, as we get older, health issues will find us. Have you been diagnosed with a particular disease? I’m sure the doctors have laid out a plan to find victory. There’s no stopping in the middle of the battle and giving up. No, you must come out fighting through exhaustion and find a way to conquer.

As you know, most of our clients at Ageless Muscle are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. Each client has personal health obstacles. Besides many with joint replacements and osteoarthritis, there are those recovering from a variety of cancers. This is male and female.

All of these clients chose to stay in the battle and take back their quality of life, and you should, too. What steps are you taking today? Are you tired of getting beat up?

Remember, you’re not a loser. You’re a winner who’s still in the battle. Don’t let time be a factor in your journey. As long as you’re fighting, time will be on your side.

This is your day because when times get tough, keep pushing through it and you’ll find victory.