By David Tepera, November 9, 2022

None of us have a crystal ball, but we would like to know what’s in our future.

Are there financial opportunities, loving lasting relationship, or maybe, just a long healthy life? What’s in your future that you are hoping for? Do you feel that you’re on the right path? Are things lining up for you?

If you really want to know what’s happening in your future, then check your habits. Do you have a plan or are you just winging it? Do you get up early every morning to conquer the day or are you always running late? Do you spend your spare time finding ways to better yourself or are you scrolling social media? Are you developing good habits or still stuck with bad habits?

Now, it’s time to break the negative cycle. You might need to get rid of certain friends. Remember, you are what your friends are. Don’t worry about what others think. Go out there, chase your dreams and create your future.

I know people addicted to Amazon spending sprees. How many of you have boxes delivered each week? Do you really need the newest and latest gadget? How many extra clothes and shoes will you wear? That money could be utilized, invested or saved in more productive areas.

Look, it’s OK to splurge on yourself every once in a while, but there are those of you who have a problem. Bottom line, it’s just another bad habit. Why not save it for a memorable vacation?

Listen, I’m not trying to act like I’m the perfect investor and money saver. I’ve made more bad decisions and investments than I’d like to admit. But, I finally matured and fell on my face enough to learn from experience.

What about you? What habits do you need to change? Are you on the right path because you have a strong personality and work ethic?

We all have something we want burning deep in our core. Through time, we get complacent with our lives, and lose that driving desire.

Today, things are going to change for you. Where would you like to be in five years or even one year from now? Are you further ahead than a year ago?

The crystal ball is in your hands. Look deep into the future and recognize that successful person you’ve become. This all happened because you changed your habits.

By David Tepera, November 2, 2022

We all have the ability to possess attributes and traits that drive us forward to success. But, for those who just can’t seem to get over the edge and better themselves, then you must use the word “stop.”

It’s time to stop sleeping too late, stop caring what others think, stop scrolling social media, stop eating junk food, stop listening to negativity and stop whining and complaining.

How many of these characteristics do you need to eliminate? I’m sure if you could get rid of just one, your life will be in a better place.

Why are you continuing to hit the snooze button? Flip your thinking and get excited about starting the day. Every day will be more productive than yesterday.

Stop caring about what others think. Most people don’t want you to succeed, so they can feel better about themselves. Stay ambitious and leave them in your dust.

I know social media is addictive, but you must find a way to stop getting sucked into it. If you’re having trouble getting away, then look for positive sites with uplifting messages. I’m actually on a few of them when I need a spiritual boost.

How bad do you need to make changes to your diet. Aren’t you sick of eating greasy foods? Don’t you feel sluggish and tired all day? Stop driving through the grease pit to and from work. Try to, at least, buying something you think is healthy at a grocery store each week. You’ll start to feel better and this will progress to healthier habits.

In today’s society, how often are we bombarded with negativity? It’s all around us, but don’t allow it to grab ahold of you.

Tina and I stopped watching regular TV and listening to certain radio stations years ago. We will catch a Netflix type series for entertainment every so often. Also, Tina creates a variety of music playlists that we enjoy without all the negative commercials.

Now, what’s in your life that needs the word “stop?” How can you better your life today by eliminating something or someone? When a negative situation arises, don’t get suckered into it, just stop and change direction.

Today is going to be the first day of your new life. From now on, the only direction is forward. Nothing can stand in your way to success because you know how to shout “stop.”

By David Tepera, October 26, 2022

If you are observant, you’ll notice that when people are on top, others will find ways to put them down.

This world is full of internet bullies because they don’t have the drive or ambition to better themselves. Really, it comes down to just plain laziness. So, for all you successful people, let the hate slide off like hot butter in a Teflon pan.

Being in the health and fitness industry and as professional athletes, we’ve seen plenty of jealous people try to point fingers and make excuses for others’ accomplishments.

Never let people bring you down. The best response is no response. Don’t say a word, stay in your lane, and stay focused on goals. Remember, nothing can stick to you unless you let it.

Keep losing the weight, and continue your plan of exercising and eating healthy. Be proud and feel good about yourself because you’ve separated from the new norm of obesity.

Also, there are those in higher power and in decision making positions. People will challenge you and try to take you down. Stand your ground and principles, and let the negativity roll off your shoulders.

Right now, life expectancy in America is 79 years of age. Most people work until retiring around 70. This means, you only have nine years left of living, and are probably so out of shape, you can’t enjoy it.

It’s time to start living now. Don’t worry about what others think — take vacations, splurge on yourself, go to nice restaurants and maybe some dancing. I don’t know what’s all out there, but there is something you want to do, so do it!

Look, this is your life. There’s no dress rehearsal. Each day gone is a day lost. Nothing is more valuable to you than your time. As we get older, we realize our time is moving fast and we start feeling the aches and pains of our experiences. This doesn’t mean to start throwing in the towel. No, it’s our wakeup call to start living.

There’s no more time for excuses. I don’t care of your age, medical condition or finances. Get off the couch and get excited about your new life.

You are now the role model and inspiration for friends and family. You have taken your life back and letting all the hate talk roll off because your skin is thick and made of Teflon.

By David Tepera, October 25, 2022

Whenever we buy fresh peach jam or other fruits, we listen for the seal to break from the twist of the lid. Once the jar is opened, then the enjoyment of sweets begin.

This could be said for uncorking a bottle of your favorite wine or liquor. Whatever pleasures your taste, breaking the seal is the beginning.

What’s important for you to understand is what happens when you break the seal in life. Every one of us has broken the seal that led us to victory or defeat.

Lets’ start with defeat. Have you noticed that once you’ve cancelled an appointment, it get’s easier and more frequent? Over the many years, we had a few clients who randomly cancel a training session. But, very quickly, it escalated to almost each week. They broke the seal to defeat, so we let them go. This can be said with every business.

How many of you are late for work every day because you got away with it once, so now it’s how your day starts. Just know, you’re probably on the chopping block, so quit hitting the snooze button.

It’s sad, but some people broke the seal by cheating on their spouse. This led to divorce and a broken family for children. I bet you found out that greener grass on the other side had sticker-burrs.

Now, what happens if you never break the seal? Those who don’t skip class at college will graduate on time without dropping classes and losing money.

No matter what spat you and your spouse may have, still let them know you love them. Gentlemen, bring back chivalry and open doors for your wife. Carry the umbrella as you walk them to their car in the rain. If you’ve been lacking, then it’s time to reseal the bottle of love and have a wonderful life. Find ways of creativity to strengthen the seal.

Come on now, the fastest way to success is to never break the seal. Get up early and be responsible for your actions every day. If you make a mistake, then own it. We see too many people pointing the fingers for their failures. You’re not fooling anyone but yourself.

So, today, if you’re even thinking about breaking a seal of destruction, stop right now. You already know that you’ll regret it. Don’t let bad decisions be a part of your character. You can make that change starting today.

Keep the seal closed and the lid tight because you’re better than that. All it takes is to keep pushing forward and be respectful to others and yourself.

By David Tepera, October 25, 2022

If you truly pay attention to events throughout your life, you’ll realize how the little things impacted the big things.

This happens through relationships, occupation, society, and even health and fitness.

When dieting, it’s remarkable how eliminating sugary drinks only will impact weight loss. Also, giving up carbs for dinner, or at least cutting carbs in half, will reduce fat storage. There are numerous little tricks through dieting that will promote significant weight loss.

One of the mottos we use at our gym is “It’s the little things.” Simple variations of grips, feet positions and range of motion can maximize weight lifting, plus reduce injury.

For example, for all push movements, we have clients place thumbs on top of the bar instead of wrapping. This will help keep the wrist straight to prevent injury.

It’s very common for a heavy bench presser to develop chronic wrist pain from gripping the bar improperly.

We have numerous videos with safety and proper lifting tips on our Facebook page Ageless-Muscle. Just know, it’s not how much you lift, but how you lift.

Now, what kind gestures are you doing in relationships? Remember all the little things you did to get the girl or boy?

One of the ways I won my wife over while we were courting was opening doors and treating her with respect. I told Tina that it’s not a chore to do things for her. To me, it’s an honor to make her feel like my queen. I don’t let a day go by without finding some way to show her my love though a small gesture.

How can you make little things turn to big things at your place of employment? Are you the worker who asks for extra work or projects? Do you express leadership qualities that will lead to promotions and pay raises? Get to work 15 minutes before your boss and stay 15 minutes after. I promise, this will lead to big things.

Hopefully, you all are getting my drift. I’m sure you can all think how a variety of little things led to big things.

Of course, this can all be flipped to the bad decisions we’ve made throughout the years, but let those regrets turn to lessons.

Today, you are only going to focus on the little things to enhance your life. Now, make your bed, kiss your spouse and kids, head out the door and let the big things happen.

David Tepera, October 8, 2022

No matter what stage of life you are at, there should be something you truly desire. Is it wealth, health, spiritual, relationships, business, independence and so on, according to your dreams and wants?

If you really want it, then you must see yourself already accomplishing that goal. How would you look and feel? Can you visualize it? Wouldn’t you be happy and confident knowing your hard work paid off?

The next step is to believe it. You cannot accomplish anything unless you believe in yourself. It’s a must to passionately strive for something, pour your heart into it and feel the strength come over your body.

Once you can see it, believe it — then don’t let anything or anyone stop you from doing it.

Most people want to lose weight. If so, find a picture of you when you were younger at that desired weight. Make copies and post that picture on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator and car dashboard. If not, use other people’s pictures of your desired weight. Keep your eye on the goal, and you’ll get there.

Do you have a business idea? Can you see yourself sitting in a luxurious office, along with a large staff and crew doing the work for you? You will fly around the country and world promoting your company and business plan because others want to invest in you.

Tina and I didn’t start out looking to buy a gym. But, through time, as our business model evolved, we started visualizing the perfect gym for us.

Once we found that gym, we didn’t just visualize it, we acted like we already owned it. In our minds, it was ours. Within three months we bought it, and three years later we are looking to expand.

What else do you want? What’s holding you back? Quit using excuses of I’m too old or broke. Remember, everybody is going to die, but not everyone lives. It’s time for you to start living.

Get your lazy partner or spouse off the couch and get back in this world. If you’re a widow or widower, then it’s “me-time.” Don’t give up on the dreams you once had.

Sometimes, we must go through a lot of turmoil and tragedy to prepare us for the next step.

These experiences are what’s going to help you to be strong and persevere, along with a win-and-take-all mentality.

Now, get your game face on, grit your teeth because you can see it, believe it and will do it.

By David Tepera, September 28, 2022

Today’s article is inspired by my client Judi. She challenged me to come up with a personal “walk-up” song. I’m known to be quick-witted with a fast comeback, but Judi stumped me.

So, what am I referring to? Currently, in the game of baseball, players pick out a song that’s played while they are walking to the batter’s box. The song is supposed to be a reflection of their personality, plus fire up the crowd.

OK, how did this all start? Well, it became popular after the comedy film “Major League” (1989), in which relief pitcher Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn entered the game to a cover of “Wild Thing” performed by X. It became so popular that now batters select songs as they come to the plate to get the fans cheering.

But really, most people don’t know the actual origin of walk-up began on the fingertips of an organ player Nancy Faust. She was the organist for the Chicago White Sox starting in the 1970s. Faust would play each player’s home state song when they walked up to the plate.

Then she would be creative. For example, if the player was dating Madonna, she would play “Like a Virgin.” Or if the player was a rookie, she would play the Who’s song “Who Are You.” I’m sure by now you get my point and understand its origin.

Now, let me ask you — when you walk into work, boosting with confidence and with all eyes on you, what is your walk-up song? Which music beat and lyrics reflects your personality?

Maybe you have a team meeting today and are expected to participate. What is going to hype you up to come to the plate, swinging for home runs? How can you stand out from the crowd of coworkers?

Some of you have regular chemo treatment. Next appointment, walk in with your head high and chest proud. There is no way cancer is going to take you down. From now on, you’re going to come out swinging and punch disease in the face. You have a long life ahead of you, so it’s time to start living it.

Starting today, for all of you, when you walk out your door to conquer the world, put your game face on and start shouting the old George Thorogood song “Bad to the Bone”.

By David Tepera, September 21, 2022

One way to reduce stress in our lives is by staying in a healthy routine. For example; getting up early enough each morning to prepare for work and arriving there on time.

How many of you start your day off with stress because you can’t stop hitting the snooze button? Is your house a total wreck and the bed unmade because you’re running late again?

Maybe it’s time to change your routine by getting to bed earlier at night, along with staying off social media. Just know, all those people out there in the cyber world are not really your friends.

There are plenty of studies that prove how stress causes many illnesses, along with shortening lifespan. I know people who gorge on food when their stress levels rise, plus the food choices are not on the healthy menu.

Look, you can’t escape stress, but you shouldn’t be self-inflecting additional stress either.

What other areas in your life are causing unnecessary stress? Make a list, and then find a way to eliminate them from your routine. If it’s people, then hit the delete button and cease all contact. Miserable people like others to be miserable with them.

Now, what changes do you need to make your routine productive and stress-free? Tina and I cook all our food on Sundays for the upcoming work week. Then each evening, I put together the meals needed for the following day. This eliminates any desire to eat unhealthy grab-and-go foods.

Also, part of our routine is to arrive at our gym at least 45 minutes before the first client. This gives us time to check bathrooms and set up equipment, along with other management duties.

How would your life change if your routine was getting to work earlier than coworkers to start organizing? It could lead to advancements and pay raises.

What if your routine consisted of lifting weights and performing cardio? Believe me, your confidence level will start soaring, which brings attention to others. Just know, it could lead to meeting your soulmate. I know plenty of couples who met through health and fitness.

Now, if your stress levels are overwhelming, then it’s time to take control and get more disciplined. Don’t fall into the trap of laziness. You’re better than that. Remember, utilize a healthy routine to take stress out of your life.

By David Tepera, September 15, 20222

There is a saying that people remember your failures more than your successes. For those of you who follow sports, it’s common for spectators to criticize coaches and players for bad plays.

There are plenty of internet bullies who voice their opinion and blast professionals because they think they know better. But, if you watch athletes long enough, then you’ll see the quarterback redeem himself with a winning touchdown, the previous strikeout batter hit the walk-off home run, or the basketball player who missed the free throw sink the winning 3-point shot.

You see, our lives are just like the sports we watch or participate in. Life will throw curve balls to strike you out. You might even get hit by a pitch. Yes, it hurts at first, but you’ll jump back up to take another swing.

Other times, life seems to be moving smoothly, then all of a sudden, a catastrophe knocks your feet out from under you. But, because nothing can keep you down, you’ll regroup and come back stronger.

Now, this is the person you must be known for. One who can bounce back from any adverse condition.

If you’re in this world, you can’t escape failure. Some people dive head first into situations, while others curl up and hide. You alone must make the decision to be strong or not.

If it hasn’t happened already, you will one day mourn the loss of a loved one. Maybe it’s a spouse you’ve spent decades with. Hopefully not, but there are those, like me, who’ve buried children. The death of my 23-year-old son Dustin almost took me under. At that time, I was a single parent raising a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old, so I didn’t have a choice but to stay strong.

Another time, I hit hard financial times that wiped out all my retirement and investments. I had to file chapter 13 bankruptcy to set up payments. My credit score was ranking around zero.

Throughout the years, I paid everything back, met my wife and created a booming business.

I’m not trying to give a “look at me” speech here. I’m letting you know that I’m just like you. You might be really dealing with some serious issues today. You could be backed into a corner and don’t know how to fight your way out.

Look, keep your head high and don’t give up. You’ll get through this like you have in the past. Guess what? I promise, as long as you keep moving forward, life will be better than before.

Remember, be known for bouncing back from failures more than your successes.

By David Tepera, September 7, 2022

Years ago, my daughter Daylyn asked that because I live such a healthy lifestyle, would this help me live longer? My reply was, “Exercising and eating healthy does not guarantee longer life, but it will allow you to enjoy the life you’re living.”

There’s no secret, as we age, our bodies start breaking down. The less you exercise, the faster the body deteriorates. You can’t win against Father Time, but you can sure put up a fight.

Listen, I don’t care how old or decrepit you are today. You can still join this fight. All it takes is getting your body in motion. Start walking, limping or rolling around the block; plus it’s a must to add weight resistance to your routine.

Even if you can’t afford a gym membership, then grab a few cans of beans and start performing arm curls and shoulder raises.

As you know, our Ageless Muscle gym caters to clients of the older generation. It’s very rewarding to witness their aches and pains diminish and to see muscle development generating, along with cardiovascular conditioning. Bottom line, they all get to enjoy life again and go back to doing the hobbies they love.

One client put it this way: “David, it’s a lot cheaper to pay you than my doctor; plus, I’m having fun”.

Now, I’m sure we aren’t the only gym that helps seniors. Do your research in your area and find what’s best for your needs and income. I’m sure there’s plenty of help out there.

Tomorrow is too late. Aren’t you tired of going from the bed to the recliner? Is this how your life will end? Is your conversation only about bad health? Believe me, we all have aches and pains, so we don’t want to hear about yours.

How do you want to be indentified? Hopefully, when people talk about you, it’s because you’re a fighter who inspires others.

My friend Pater Johnson, who I trained for years, lived to be 102 years old. He only used a walker for balance. Other than that, he enjoyed life to the fullest through exercise and weight training. I sure miss my best friend.

So, come on now, what are you going to do? Don’t throw in the towel. Get up. I mean it. Throw this paper to the side and take back control of your life. Be proud of yourself because you chose to start living again.

Remember, no matter your age, exercise will improve your quality of life.