By David Tepera, April 24, 2024

As most of you know, we own a business that starts at 2:30 a.m. Even though the hours are tough for us, we love knowing we change lives.

For real, when we wake up so early, we are struggling to get motivated for a long 12-hour shift. But, at the end of the day, Tina, Dylan and I high-fived each other because we made a difference in this world. That’s a big win for everyone.

Back in the day, when we were competing, every day was about us winning in the weight room, along with a clean diet. It’s a very selfish life because you don’t have time for family and friends. Each day must be another step towards winning.

Now, what about you? At the end of the day, what’s a win for you? Did you have a productive day at work? Did you make the time to exercise and eat healthier? In some kind of way, did you make a difference in other’s lives? Come on, what will it take to win at the end of the day?

For some, winning is a personal goal. For others, winning is helping others. Either way, it’s still about winning.

We have people reach out to us each week looking for guidance with diet, exercise or just motivation.

Even though we are motivators, each day we try to find a way to pick each other up. Hopefully, each of you has a support system, too. If not, motivate yourself and separate from all the average people.

One thing we can all do is quit. That’s the easy way out. It’s people who’ve had enough, and have nothing more to lose, that decide to go for it.

Listen, I’ve quit in certain situations before. Even though this was decades ago, it still haunts me today. I’m still upset with myself for being a quitter. I was afraid of losing, being rejected and failure.

Once I didn’t care about others’ opinion of me, I was living a much happier life and started winning.

This is your day to start winning. You’ll get up earlier, have a healthy breakfast, be at work on time and be the most positive person towards others.

I promise, at the end of the day, you’ll reflect back and know what winning is.

I do want to give a shout-out to all those who volunteer their time. This is the most selfless act of any person. You know what winning is.

By David Tepera, April 17, 2024

You ever watch someone perform a certain skill and impressed how they make it look so smooth and easy? I always enjoy watching the gymnastics balance beam of how these ladies can perform numerous acrobatics and land on a 4-inch-wide beam. To me, there’s a level of danger, but they have such precision, grace and beauty.  

These days, I couldn’t walk a straight line sober, much less trying to stand on a balance beam. So you know, the Olympic balance beam is also 16.5 feet long and 4 feet off the ground.

My point is, you can only imagine how many times these ladies slipped, fell, crashed with bruises, cuts and broken bones. The one thing they all have in common is the will and pride to get back up until it’s performed with perfection. Not only the physical challenge, but imagine the mental toughness it takes to try again after getting hurt or injured.

Pick your favorite sport and I’m sure those players are in the same category as gymnastics. My oldest son Dustin was a competitive skate boarder in his teens. He made me a nervous wreck with his dangerous high-flying tricks. We spent plenty of trips to urgent care and the dentist. I sure miss my soldier.

Now, there’s not one of us who hasn’t delt with defeat. I don’t have a problem with losing as long as I was giving my best effort. It’s when we don’t put up a fight in the situation that eats on us. Think about it. You’re only upset with yourself in a loss because you could had worked or practiced harder.

And, that’s where we are today. It’s time to let go of the safety net and start challenging yourself. What and who’s holding you back? This is your life, so get out of your comfort zone and step your game up.

Every other Sunday, my daughter Daylyn and I go to the local Waffle House to have breakfast. It’s our daddy daughter time to discuss life. Daylyn is in her last year of college, and preparing to make this world a better place.

I told her to go out there and fail. If you’re not failing, then you’re not trying hard enough. It’s failure that teaches us valuable lessons. When you accept failure, it will lead into the direction of success. The wealthiest and most successful people failed more than they ever won.

Now, get up, cut the safety net and challenge yourself to be the person you were meant to be.  

By David Tepera, April 10, 2024

Recently, I was having a conversation with a small group of senior citizens. The topic was circled around when life ends and preparing for death.

Of course, it’s important to have your affairs in order when that day comes to not burden your family. But, my message was that life only ends when you give up, not death. This is why we opened Ageless Muscle.

Listen, you’re reading this article, so shut your laptops, get out of the recliner and start making the days count. There’s so much life to live for. Yes, as we get older, we will never be pain-free, but so what?

I’m in my 60s and know there are certain activities that are off my list. No more snow skiing, long-distant jogging on hard pavement, or riding bulls and other extreme activities. OK, the bulls was only a joke, but you get my drift.

Being a little broken is your wake-up call to start exercising and lifting weights. I don’t know how to express enough the importance of a weight resistance program. This is your game-changer. We see it every day in our gym.

Eighty-year-old Terry owns 12 acres and personally trimmed all 22 trees. Seventy-year-old Kim paddles a kayak, along with freshwater fishing several times a week. The list goes on to the elderly enjoying retirement because they regained their strength. We hear the stories of returning to golf, gardening, hiking and traveling. Bottom line, quit counting the days, and make the days count. Life is right out that door you stare at, so get moving.

What activities do you miss the most? Why have you given up? What will it take to enjoy that part of life again? Did you and your spouse enjoy walks around the neighborhood? When was the last time you went dancing? Why not have a date night and act like youngins again?

One day last week, the weather was beautiful, so I told Tina to drop all the stress of work and let’s head to Kemah Boardwalk for lunch. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve been on a rollercoaster, but we road the Bullet and had a blast.

Sometimes, you have to step away from the boredom and find the child in you. Quit the stinking thinking of counting the days, and start making the days count.

By David Tepera, April 3, 2024

Of course, there are countless studies to support the importance of exercise to fight off diseases. If you’re not battling one now, eventually, it’s coming.

Now, diseases come in all types of categories. At Ageless Muscle, we weight train people battling prostate, breast, bone, melanoma or other forms of cancer, as well as depression, epilepsy and cardiac conditions. Their medical specialist expressed the importance of winning the fight by getting themselves in better shape. Your body needs to be as healthy as possible to battle the issues.

Think about it, if you give in and lay around, then you will wither away and lose the fight. I’m not referring to exercise as the cure for all diseases, but it will give you a fighting chance, or at least, a better quality of life.

For all of us, there is a beginning and an end because life is a journey. We all know our birthdate, but we have no idea of the end date. And, you better never live thinking the end is tomorrow. You’ll miss out on all the love and beauty that surrounds you.

Listen, there are situations in life that we can’t control, but we can control how we respond.

What are you battling today? If your situation is health-related, then what’s your plan? We all have a fighter within us that was passed down from ancestors. The weak were eliminated, so if you’re reading this, your ancestors fought for you. Now, it’s your turn to continue the fight. You must go down swinging because your life and character depend on it.

Alright, here we go. Today is the next chapter of our lives. We will start walking, lifting weights, join a local gym, read positive books, or just find a way to get your body moving and stimulated.

Don’t forget to reach for healthier foods. Your body repairs itself from the intake of proper nutrition. Late night snacking is usually the biggest reason for obesity. All that food is stored as fat because it’s not being utilized for energy. It’s time to start cooking instead of driving through the grease pit. Prepare healthy foods, so when you open the fridge, they’re there and ready to eat.

Look, we all know our downfalls when it comes to exercise and diet, so if you want to win the battle, then get up and put up a fight — NOW!

By David Tepera, March 27, 2024

If you recognize that you are someone special or not, just know, yes you are. For those with confidence out in this world kicking butt, make sure to thank all those who helped reach that status.

Also, those of you who think less of yourself, remember, you are somebody because of somebody. Let me explain.

Whatever position you have currently established, there is a history of family, parents, siblings, children, and spouse that helped to get you there.

 To me, I am somebody because my parents instilled morals, values and respect. These character traits allowed me to be a positive influence in society.

My adult children made me somebody because even though they are in their early and mid-twenties, they’ve impacted countless lives through many resources, and I’m proud to be their daddy.

Without getting too mushy, the support and love from my wife has helped push me to become somebody more than I thought imaginable.

Lastly, I need to give The Daily News and Sports Editor James LaCombe a huge shoutout for allowing me to come into thousands of lives each week. The emails I receive are more than humbling.

Now, don’t think I’m just being corny. My hopes with sharing my experience, is that you recognize you’re somebody more than me.

Being somebody doesn’t mean being a socialite or someone famous. No, being somebody is making a difference to all those around you. It’s being a role model and leader for others.

Listen, don’t think anything less of yourself. We are all our worst critic. Quit beating yourself up over the little stuff. We all have challenges, so just make the most of yours.

I promise, you’re not just somebody, you are more special than you could imagine. Keep your head up, never quit, and embrace your qualities. Wake up each day and take on the world because you are somebody’s somebody.

Now it’s your turn to be somebody’s somebody. How will you treat others today? It’s time to start lifting people up and not putting them down.

The truest way to judge people is by their character. I learned long ago that we all have a different set of backgrounds and upbringing, but one thing we do have in common is the opportunity to respect others. The CEO and janitor deserve the same respect because they are somebody.

Just remember, you’re somebody because of somebody.

By David Tepera, March 23, 2024

There’s no secret, we’ve all wished for some kind of miracle that would change our lives. That’s why the lottery is so popular, especially when the payout gets humongous. I admit, when the numbers are big, I’ll invest $2 for a miracle. So far, it hasn’t paid off, but it was fun to be in dream world.

Now, what I’d like you to realize is that a miracle has already happened the day you were born. This might be difficult for some to understand, but think about all that took place in order for you to be in this world.

Every ancestor in your life had to reproduce with someone at the right moment to create your next relative. Then, they had to reproduce with another at the exact moment to create the following relative that would eventually lead to you being created at a precise moment in time. There’s nothing more miraculous than the fact you were born into this world.

I hope you understand because trying to keep it PG was a difficult task, if you know what I mean.

Sometimes, we get caught up feeling sorry for ourselves because we think someone has it better than us. Just know, no they don’t. It’s time to realize that money isn’t the answer to happiness. I promise, I know plenty of wealthy people who are miserable. Their family takes advantage and their health is extremely poor.

Take a moment and realize the miracle that you are. It’s your choice of what you decide to do with your life. Yes, sometimes it takes sacrifice, dedication and determination to achieve your goals. You’re the miracle on this earth that has control of your destination.

I’m embarrassed for some of the stupid mistakes I’ve made, but my wife Tina and I realize that every bad and good decision led us to each other. So, it’s impossible to have regrets.

Don’t beat yourself up for the dumb decisions. Those are only lessons to help us get back up and keep fighting.

Now, what are you going to do with your miracle today? You have the choice of making those around you happy. It’s as easy as a big smile, along with a compliment.

What I’m trying to make you understand is that you are more perfect than you can imagine. Let it sink in that the miracle has already happened, so make this an amazing day.

By David Tepera, March 13, 2024

There’s no secret, we’ve all wished for some kind of miracle that would change our lives. That’s why the lottery is so popular, especially when the payout gets humongous. I admit, when the numbers are big, I’ll invest $2 for a miracle. So far, it hasn’t paid off, but it was fun to be in dream world.

Now, what I’d like you to realize is that a miracle has already happened the day you were born. This might be difficult for some to understand, but think about all that took place in order for you to be in this world.

Every ancestor in your life had to reproduce with someone at the right moment to create your next relative. Then, they had to reproduce with another at the exact moment to create the following relative that would eventually lead to you being created at a precise moment in time. There’s nothing more miraculous than the fact you were born into this world.

I hope you understand because trying to keep it PG was a difficult task, if you know what I mean.

Sometimes, we get caught up feeling sorry for ourselves because we think someone has it better than us. Just know, no they don’t. It’s time to realize that money isn’t the answer to happiness. I promise, I know plenty of wealthy people who are miserable. Their family takes advantage and their health is extremely poor.

Take a moment and realize the miracle that you are. It’s your choice of what you decide to do with your life. Yes, sometimes it takes sacrifice, dedication and determination to achieve your goals. You’re the miracle on this earth that has control of your destination.

I’m embarrassed for some of the stupid mistakes I’ve made, but my wife Tina and I realize that every bad and good decision led us to each other. So, it’s impossible to have regrets.

Don’t beat yourself up for the dumb decisions. Those are only lessons to help us get back up and keep fighting.

Now, what are you going to do with your miracle today? You have the choice of making those around you happy. It’s as easy as a big smile, along with a compliment.

What I’m trying to make you understand is that you are more perfect than you can imagine. Let it sink in that the miracle has already happened, so make this an amazing day.

By David Tepera, March 6, 2024

This article is inspired from the many parents we’ve guided whose teenagers are struggling with self-confidence.

I grew up in through the 1960s and ’70s. During that era, students were not diagnosed with any disorder in public school settings. I guarantee, under today’s conditions, I was definitely hyperactive, ADHD, dyslexic and any other disorder of modern-day youth.

I remember as a young kid, waking up around 5 a.m. and wondering why the rest of my family wasn’t ready to go.

When I was in college, I scheduled each class across campus. I’d strap up my backpack and jog to get rid of hyper-energy, settle down and focus. I could hear the other students make fun of me. They would say, “there’s the weird dude running again.” Also, I would write all my class notes on index cards, and stuff them in my shorts to study while jogging around campus.

I graduated from the University of Houston and take a lot of pride in knowing Carl Lewis’s running coach chased me off the school’s track so Lewis could practice. Just know, Lewis drove a black Lamborghini and I was in my grandma’s hand-me-down Chevy Nova.

OK, enough about my learning disorder. In today’s society, public schools have set up multiple programs to help students with challenges. My personal thoughts are that our youth have become more anti-social because of internet access. It’s easy for them to not have true in-person interaction to develop social skills.

As we all know, COVID made situations worse for our future youth.

Now, if you have a child or know of one that’s having trouble functioning, then I have an alternative solution. I could quote multiple studies, but I’ve witnessed teenagers building their confidence through one-on-one personal weight training. I promise, besides building lean muscle and gaining physical benefits, the mental confidence through weight training is so much more life-changing.

Listen, most severe situations don’t do well in group environments. Individual personal training with a skilled trainer will produce the best results.

If this is your situation, then research a gym that’s within your vicinity and budget. I’m not trying to promote our gym, but my son Dylan specializes in training youth with challenges and is known in the community as a role model. Just know, Dylan is available to give free advice and guidance to anyone who is interested. We’ve been doing this across the country for years. We are here to send you in the best direction for your situation. Use my email as a contact.

What I’m trying to relay to you is that there is a healthy alternative for your youth who is challenged by today’s society. Not all solutions come in prescriptions.

By David Tepera, February 28, 2024

In the world of competition, there is nothing more crushing than coming in second place. Most of the time, you’ve worked hard to be your best, but on game day, someone or some team was better. The loss is really tough to swallow.

Back in the 1990s when I was an assistant coach for La Marque football, we lost two years in a row to the Stephenville Yellowjackets in the state championship. Under the leadership of Alan Weddell, we came back and won it the following three years because he created a path to a stronger comeback.

What most people didn’t know back then was Corpus Christi Calallen lost to La Marque in the semifinals all five years going to the state championship. Also, La Marque defeated the Denison Yellowjackets all three years of winning those state championships.

How difficult do you think it was for those coaches to keep these teams motivated? Again, if you’ve ever come in second place, it’s a sickening feeling.

Now, what comeback are you planning? Did you lose a court battle? Remember, the only winners in court are the attorneys, so quit fighting with your ex-spouse and settle out of court. No matter how much you don’t like each other, get along and co-parent your children. They will grow up one day and figure it all out.

I’ve traveled the country as a motivational speaker to a variety of sales companies. Typically, it’s the company’s national sales and awards meeting. After each banquet, I personally talk with the second place sales winner to motivate their plan to be No. 1 at next year’s national meeting.

We must question ourselves on why we came in second place. What and how did this person or company beat me?

When you really want it, getting up early and staying up later has its winning benefits. Do you study the competition? Knowing their strengths and weaknesses prepares you to be stronger.

How much better will your life be as No. 1 in your company? Promotions, bonuses and higher salaries will follow.

Let’s get back to sports because it is a reflection of life. What will it take to be a starter? It comes down to preparation. Are you hitting the weights and conditioning? Do you study the playbook?

Some people don’t know that orchestra and marching bands compete for first chair. They are seated in order of best performer for that instrument. Second chair gets to challenge the first chair frequently, so they must stay on their game.

Listen, I know I’m a little all over the place today, but never give up because second place doesn’t mean quit. It should create a stronger comeback.

By David Tepera, February 21, 2024

It’s time to let go of what other’s think, and just believe in yourself. I know too many people who won’t take a risk because they’re concerned what people will say.

I say “forget those who want you to fail because they are insecure due to their lack of taking chances”. Believe me, I failed at more businesses than I succeeded. But, in the end, I finally nailed it with our Ageless Muscle Fitness Center.

At that time, I was in my late 50’s and taking a huge risk quitting the medical field, including the benefit packages, then adventuring into a something no other gyms has ever tried to succeed.

Of course, that was targeting the older population to help them learn to weight train properly to give them a quality of life. You see, most membership gyms want all the younger people, stay at home moms, including the working class. Most of those places are uncomfortable for the elderly.

My wife Tina and I had a vision. There was no plan B. Tina was terrified that we would lose all our savings, but kept believing in me and we stayed on course. Every day we count our blessings because our risk paid off.

Now, what’s your ultimate desire? Come on, there’s something you want to accomplish. What would be life changing for you? What and who is stopping you? Really, you are the only one keeping you from moving forward. Yes, it is scary getting out of your comfort zone, but don’t put it off any longer.

Today is the time to put a plan together and take a risk. Even if doesn’t work as planned, there are lessons learned to help move in a different direction.

Like I mentioned, I failed more than succeeded, but I never gave up. You can google any multimillionaire, and I promise, at one time, they all failed and lost their money. But, what separates them from the common people, they got back up and kept fighting.

There’s a fighter inside of you, so dig deep and step into the ring. Don’t be afraid to get punched or knocked down. People want you to stay down, but that’s not who you are.

Every one of us has been suckered punched from life. You can’t escape reality, but when you’re ready to take the risk, nothing can stop you.

Listen, if you’re not happy with your current status, then it’s time to take the risk. If you want it, go freaking get it. Not tomorrow – TODAY!