I started lifting weights at 12 years old with 110 lb weight set my brother Rick LePera bought me. Had a sheet of directions showing workout pictures that I tried to follow.
Getting Through Tough Times Mentally
I didn’t have the knowledge that I do today, but I started realizing this sort of “high” feeling from lifting that made me feel good, and I started getting stronger quickly. I started feeling more self-confident and had an energy level through the roof. Lol. When my father died when I was 14, and my first born died when I was 33, I needed a place to vent and take my frustrations out on, so I dove even harder with working out because it helped take away my mental struggles and made me feel good. Hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it. Later I learned that the reason for this is during the “pump” the body releases dopamine and the blood pumping provides fresh oxygen throughout our entire brain and body. This gives us energy, helps take away stress, makes us sharper, helps nourish & heal our respiratory system & organs. Our muscles love this fresh oxygen to help them grow with proper weight training. Wow, amazing right? Yes it is!
I Dedicate LePera Fit to my Son TJ (Tony Junior in yellow pants).His Positive Spirit & Inspiration To Overcome Challenges Will Live On Forever!1989-1992
Doesn’t Matter When You Start
Fit Training In Life For Results
Through my lifetime, I worked out as little as one day a week to 7 days and weighed as much as 65 pounds heavier. Was always “stocky” but never really was defined much until 4 years ago when I gambled & changed my entire workout routine to what I now callwhich totally changed my appearance, starting at age 60. Today I can lift as heavy as I ever have with most things, but my body looks much different. People say I look “younger”, leaner and defined. I was able to get twice as much done training wise in the same amount of time due to the pace in which I train but working much smarter to achieve maximum results. .
TRAINING MY KIDS AT AN EARLY AGE:
My son Troy was 14 and my daughter Lindsay was 10 when I first had them go to the gym with me. I didn’t want them to start weight training till they had reached puberty and their hormones had started. That’s because testosterone and estrogen are key components for muscle development. So my daughter wasn’t pleased, but I only let her go on the treadmill initially, until in her case she was 12.
I told both of them what I’m going to show you is a training method for life. I said go ahead and do your specialized training for the sports you are in, but this training is for life to incorporate during your “sports years” and after. Because this works ALL your muscle groups, makes you stronger, gives you more energy, helps control your weight and will help you mentally get through all the challenges you will have in life.
