By David Tepera, September 1, 2022

The first time I ever attempted lifting weights was when I was a sophomore in high school. I was a short, skinny kid with hopes of building muscles. It was something I really wanted, so I walked into the school weight room to get started.

The older boys already had big muscles and were throwing around some heavy weights. One of the football coaches was training and teaching the players how to get stronger.

I did my best to not get noticed and worked my way to an empty bench press. I wasn’t sure how much weight to put on the bar, so I made it equal 100 pounds. I thought this would be a good number.

Well, it didn’t go as I’d hope. I quickly found out that I couldn’t even lift 100 pounds. I was so embarrassed as the older boys were laughing at me. The football coach, who was the strongest and most muscled person in the room, came over to me and told me not to be embarrassed. He said that he was about my size at the same age and that you have to start somewhere.

I did walk out to never return throughout high school because I didn’t want to be perceived as weak. I think we all know how tough school kids can be. Just know, I did play sports, so my growth and conditioning came from sports alone.

That statement from the football coach about “you have to start somewhere” haunted me for years. So, finally, at the age of 26, I walked back into the weight room to get started and haven’t stopped in over 35 years.

My life was completely transformed. I’ve been in the health and fitness industry my entire adult life. My athletic kids were raised in this environment. I met my wife in a gym. We both became professional athletes in physique competitions, plus we own a fitness center.

This all happened because I wanted to lift 100 pounds on a bench press.

Now, what do you want to accomplish? Do you have a passion for something that could completely change your life? What and who is preventing you from moving forward?

Don’t let anything stop you. This is your life, and time is a wasting. Sometimes, you don’t need a full plan because things will change along to way. Remember, If you really want it, then just get started.

By David Tepera, August 25, 2022

As we go through life, there are times when we want something so badly that it completely consumes our minds. But, what eventually happened to that passion? Once we conquer it, we seem to not give it much attention any more.

When it comes to relationships, how bad did you want the girl or guy? Were you giving up sleep and eliminating everything in order to court this person? Then, hopefully, after all the attention and investment you put into the courtship, you both were happily married.

Why over time does this passion go away? What happened that you are no longer best friends? Just because your wife had children, that’s still the sexiest person you wanted so badly.

Parenting is a full-time partnership. When children are young, most times parents have a difficult time to focus on themselves. So, it’s OK to gain a little weight and get out of shape together. But, you must continue to find a way to court each other emotionally.

Remember, the grass isn’t greener on the other side as long as you’re watering your own grass.

How many of you saved up and finally bought your dream car? At first, you kept it clean and immaculate. But then, you started making monthly payments, and it needed new tires and regular oil changes. Because of all the maintenance, you lost interest and now you want something different.

For some reason, most people are always chasing something bigger when it comes to material luxury. Don’t misunderstand me. Yes, you should pursue higher or self-employment, education, more income, dreams and passion. Just don’t let keeping up with the Joneses make you lose focus of your destiny.

Now, how bad do you want to lose weight? How many diet and exercise programs have you failed? At first, you were all in and started losing weight. What made you give up — again? Why can’t you stick with a program?

Look, everything we had control of and failed was because of our lack of discipline. Notice the key phrase is “control of.” Don’t let so-called “bad days” make you quit. It’s only a minor setback, so get back up and keep trying.

Today you are going to change your game plan. It’s time to recognize and embrace all that surrounds you because you do remember how badly you once wanted what you have now.

By David Tepera, August 17, 2022

In combat sports such as mixed martial arts, to tap the floor is to show that you’ve accepted that your competitor has beaten you. This typically happens when you’ve been put in a submissive hold and the pain is too intense to continue. At this point of tapping out, your competitor will release you and claim victory.

Now, if it hasn’t happened already, believe me, at some point it will: Life will put you in some type of a choke hold. It will be hard to breathe and difficult to think sanely, plus you’ll want to give up to reach out and tap the floor.

Listen, life is not a straight path to victory. When you’re fighting an opponent, they will land some punches and kicks, but you just keep swinging because you’re going to connect better shots.

In know it’s hard to stay focused when you think you’re losing the battle, but stay in the fight. Remember, every aspect of your life is choices. You can give up or keep going. It’s still your choice.

Don’t let setbacks of health issues take you down. The loss of a close loved one can be devastating. This is the same with divorce, lack of income, or you fill in the blank.

This past weekend, Tina and I were leaving a restaurant and noticed something small and furry laying in a parking spot. Because we own rescue animals, it’s in our nature to take a look.

To our surprise, it was a baby kitten that was less than 10 days old. We looked around for others, but none were to be found. So, Tina scooped it up and away we went. Tina contacted her kitten rescue friends Karen and Vicky, and they supplied us with all resources necessary.

Bottom line, this kitten’s natural instinct is to live and not tap out. We are bottle feeding, caring, nurturing and showering it with love as it fights for another day. Of course, there’s more to this story, but there will be a happy ending when one day it’s loved by an adopted family.

Now, today, your life is going to make a change. You’re the one that will take control. It’s you that has the opponent in a submissive hold and will win this battle. Just remember, know matter how tough life can get, don’t tap out.

By David Tepera, August 10, 2022

There’s no secret, each and every one of us enjoys recognition for work well done. In the employment world, the goal is to receive financial rewards for overachieving.

Employers must have these incentive plans in place in order to get the most out of employees. If not, your best workers will find better opportunity with your competition. So, start praising and supporting your hard workers.

Ask yourself, “how often do I encourage and support those around me?” Do you have children? Do they spend most of their day with you yelling and scolding them? When’s the last time they heard you say how proud you are?

It’s up to parents to give kids confidence in order to be successful in this competitive world. Sometimes as parents, we need to take a step back from our hectic work load and shower our kids with love. Remember, kids learn to be parents from their parents.

For those in relationships and spouses, is it one-sided or a partnership? Most people are constantly trying to lose weight. Are you encouraging and supporting their efforts?

We have several couples who train at our gym. It’s fun to watch them work hard together to achieve a common goal. Relationships can build and become stronger by exercising and eating healthy together.

As most of you know, Tina and I are training partners, plus we cook and do all our food prep together each weekend. We put on some music, share a little wine and dance around the kitchen. It’s fun to act like teenagers sometimes. Wink-wink.

Now, what are you going to do today to make a change? It’s time to stop being a grumpy old nobody. No one wants to hang around and listen to negative people. Quit spilling sewage in people’s ears. Those days are over.

The first person you’re going to encourage today is yourself. Go look in the mirror to see someone beautiful looking back. You’re smart, funny and kind. It’s time to fall back in love with you.

We all know beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so love and be kind to yourself. This will spill out into all those around you. It will become your nature to make a difference in this world with just a few words of encouragement.

By David Tepera, August 3, 2022

Did you wake up this morning with a big smile because you’re starting a brand-new day? No matter what yesterday consisted of, you can make today a better day.

Maybe you’re smiling because you decided to step out of your comfort zone and begin a happier life. Today, you decided to let go of all the negative people and focus on you.

One thing we get to witness every day at our fitness center is the huge smile on our clients’ faces as they walk out the door. They feel the confidence and accomplishment from pushing themselves.

You can build a positive mental state by just walking out the door for a stroll around the block. The body needs to sweat to rid itself of impurities. Smiling always comes from a good productive workout. You will also be proud of yourself for eating healthier.

When’s the last time you were smiling because you did a good deed for someone and didn’t expect anything in return? It’s as simple as opening doors with a sincere “hello.”

Remember, people every day are dealing with negative forces that the world throws at us. It’s easy to let these unwanted forces take over your mind which leads to depression.

Once you recognize that this is happening, then let out a big loud laugh and tell Mr. Negative, “You can’t infiltrate this mind. I’m too beautiful, smart and happy.”

Recently, I was having a conversation with one of my clients. Like most of us, he has plenty of stressful situations in his life. I told Robbie that a long time ago I got rid of all the unnecessary drama and stress in my life. If anyone tries to create any issues with me, then they get the delete button. I don’t argue with people, I eliminate them.

So, all of you our there can get rid of yours, too.

Now, take a moment and think about all the things in your life that make you smile. Reflect over the memories that made you laugh and feel loved. Stop worrying about the negatives and focus on the positives.

Once you can grasp all the goodness that surrounds you, your life will immediately change. There is so much good around us, you just need to realize it’s starring you back in the mirror.

Just remember, forget the doom and gloom because it’s time to smile.

By David Tepera, July 27, 2022

As most of you know, even though we train people of all ages, our gym caters mostly to the older generation. A large portion of our weight lifting clients are in their 70s, with some in their 80s. I thoroughly enjoy our many conversations.

You see, I’m 61 years old, and my great grandmother, who I knew very well, was born in 1898. To me, I think it sounds very old that I knew relatives from the 1800s.

A little side note, in 1898, William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States until he was assassinated Sept. 14, 1901 after leading the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War. His presidency raised protective tariffs to promote American industry.

Now, back to training our older population. I get to hear all the lost words of my elder relatives. Let me throw some out at you to see if it brings back memories, but I’m hopeful some of you are still using.

We all know the lazy guy who’s just “hem hawing” around. I promise, the “proof is in the pudding.” We had fun at the beer joint because we “cut the rug” all night.

How many of you wake you in the middle of the night because of a “Charlie horse?” Some of our male clients are old, so I guess that makes them an “old geezer.”

Why in the “tarnation” are you making all that “racket?” Can’t you do that “over yonder?”

We all know you’re full of “bologna,” so quit making a “fuss” about it.

Anyway, I’m sure most of you have your own list of “lost words.” I truly miss all my older relatives, especially those on my Czech side because the language will be lost after my sister and I.

My mission for all you older folks. You must somehow find a way to reach our younger generation. I feel they are getting lost when it comes to good values, respect and hard work ethic.

Believe me, there’s one thing you can do to get the attention of your grandchildren or younger relatives, and that is through exercise.

As I mentioned, the clients in their 70s can all flash a set of guns. These clients have funny stories of them competing with their grandchildren over the biggest biceps.

There is still a way to connect with our next generation. It’s our duty as older people to put our children on the right path.

This will all start by realizing you are the beautiful generation.

By David Tepera, July 20, 2022

Recently, I had a very interesting interview with your local gym’s equipment. They wanted to give me their perspective of its handlers.

For all of you who are members of a local gym, this article is for you. Our gym is private, and we completely control every aspect of the environment and equipment.

I first sat down with Mr. Dumbbell. He was explaining to me how some men feel the need to scream and throw him to the ground when finishing a set. Mr. Dumbbell told me that he and all his buddies know that even though most of these men have large muscles, their mind is weak with respect.

Also, Mr. Dumbbell shared the unfairness of some people who grab him and his two older brothers to hog up the family of dumbbells. For some reason, these people think their workout is more important than others who also pay a membership. Please learn to be fair and share.

On the positive, Mr. Dumbbell appreciates all the people who put him back in his home known as the dumbbell rack. Especially those who place him in the correct spot according to the weight.

My next interview was with some of the many free weight machines. There are typically two types of weight equipment. One comes with weights that utilizes pin placement. The other is free weights that require manually loading the weights.

The free weight machines’ main beef is when people finish, they still leave all the weights on. How would you feel if I jumped on your back and you had to carry me around all day? It’s embarrassing and disrespectful to watch a lady or an elderly person have to strip the weight off after some meathead.

Now, the free weight machines did want me to give a shout out to all you who rerack your weights and show courtesy towards other members.

Before I left the local gym, all the weight and cardio equipment gathered around to give me one more perspective. No one likes to take a bath in someone’s sweat. It’s great that you’re getting a good workout, but please, carry a towel and wipe down when finished.

Lastly, all the gym equipment wanted to let everyone know that they enjoy helping people improve their lives. With every lift and action is another step towards life improvements. We are all in this together, so let’s treat each other as family and respect.

By David Tepera, July 13, 2022

Every client that comes to us has a goal and purpose to accomplish. Because most are in the older population, they typically have a variety of previous injuries or medical conditions. Of course, as we all start aging, different forms of arthritis attacks our joints.

I’m proud to say that all clients who stay consistent get through these issues and improve their quality of life. It’s very humbling for us to listen to a client’s testimony of how they almost threw in the towel, but gave life another try.

Just know, you are never too old or broken to be fixed. There’s no secret, as we age, it takes longer for our bodies to heal. Don’t let these setbacks keep you down because it will only weaken your body even more.

If you haven’t started already, then let today be the beginning of a new you. Don’t fall into the category of a frail old person. No, you will be the one who encourages and sets examples for others.

We have more than 15 clients in their 70s. Most of them have been with us for years. Yes, they came in with health issues, but that’s not their identity anymore. It’s fun to listen to their stories of how family members are impressed and proud with their growing muscles and strength.

Listen, I’m not trying to promote our business. We all have different journeys. I’m am telling you to start a weight training program somewhere. It’s the strength training that will change your life. I don’t care if you’re confined to a wheelchair or bed. Don’t wither, start lifting now. I promise, you’ll be proud of yourself with each growing day.

For me personally, I’ve found pride in many categories. I’m proud of the kind caring adults my children have become. Also, I’m proud of many family members who took on occupations to help others and impact this world.

I’m proud more of people I’ve never met than people I know. This would include the military that my oldest son served in, first responders, police who protect us, medical staff and so much more.

Lastly, I’m proud of the weekly emails I receive from all of you out there. Your stories of encouragement that I’ve helped you through my column are humbling. There’s so much beauty in each and every one of us.

We all have different journeys, so go take a good look in the mirror and tell that person starring back of how proud you are of them. Just keep loving yourself and those around you.

By David Tepera, July 7, 2022

Hey, if something in your life is really weighing you down, stop worrying because everything is going to be OK.

Throughout our lives, we all face adversity in a variety of situations. If you think back, you made it through each one, and you’ll conquer this one, too.

Most of us has been sucker-punched at some point in life. You didn’t see someone was about to hurt you, or that your job was being terminated. Maybe, you or your loved one was just diagnosed with a terrible disease. Whatever seems devastating, just know it will be OK.

It’s in our nature to fight back. Keep your head up and fill yourself with confidence. You would not be here today if your ancestors weren’t fighters. And now, it’s your turn to come out swinging against life.

If you’re struggling in your fight and trying to figure out a game plan, then start taking long walks or bike rides. This will help clear your mind and allow new thoughts to enter. I did this many times to create business ideas and problem solve.

Keep in mind that you are the king or queen of your life, and no one is going to knock you off your throne. You’ve had enough, and you don’t care what people think because you’ve taken over your destiny.

This is your life, and you choose happiness over hatred. Let others dwell and sizzle in their negative world. Don’t let them pull you into it anymore.

Become the leader of those around you. If there’s a new employee at your work, help and mentor them. Be the “go-to” person, and you’ll get the promotions. I promise, the negative people at your job will eliminate themselves. Don’t fall into their misery. You’re better than that.

Now, this is it. No more feeling sorry for yourself. No more letting the world bring you down. You are here to make a difference. Use your life experiences to make you stronger and become a better person.

Just like in the past, whatever you’re dealing with, stop worrying because everything is going to be OK.

By David Tepera, June 29, 2022

It’s in our nature to let negative situations take over our thoughts. I’m like most of you who find it difficult to let go of experiences that brought us down. It can be the first thought to wake and the last thought to bed. We know it’s unhealthy, but it’s really hard to let some things go.

We must learn to overcome because some situations can lead to depression. Just know, we all deal with depression on different levels. Some can handle and control it, while others lose control and fall deeper.

But, hey, let’s learn from it, snap out of it and grow from it. Some things that happen to us we can’t control, but we can control how we respond to it.

You will never make everyone happy around you, so just focus on yourself.

So, what’s weighing on your mind? Did you not get the promotion? Are you disgusted with your weight? Did you just get out of a relationship because the other did you wrong? Whatever your situation may be, it’s time to let go so you can grow.

Look, years ago, I dealt with a horrible five-year child custody battle, career challenges, bankruptcy, the death of my oldest son and other difficult situations. At that time, saying life was at its worst is an understatement. It seemed like my mind wasn’t ever getting a break from turmoil.

But, here is the reason I conquered and came out on top through all my battles, plus my suggestion for you.

You have many options when dealing with negative life experiences. You can run to the bar and drown your sorrow, but it will only lead to more bad decisions.

You can run to the buffet to stuff your face and use food as a crutch, but this will only lead to more depression as you gain weight.

For me, I went to the gym and hit the weights with a vengeance. With every rep as I pushed heavy iron, I was punching my enemies in the face. All enemies were being destroyed through my training program. I was becoming invisible, and my confidence grew each day.

There was no way anyone was going to control my thoughts anymore. I no longer gave 2 cents about what others had to say.

Also note, I let go and gave all my problems to God, and He carried me to happiness, prosperity and growth.

Now, today is the day you are going to let everything go because you will grow into the amazing person you’ve always been.