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Rewards of responsibility

Men's Fitness, May, 2003 by Joe Weider

Responsibilities. We all have them; most of us have more than we'd like. That doesn't change the reality that, sooner or later, we all have to face up to them. But perhaps it does explain our reluctance to add to the ever-growing list. There's already so much to do in a day, why tack on an extra burden?

Unfortunately, it's this kind of defeatist mentality that keeps people from enhancing their lives through proper diet and exercise. Here is the salient point, though: The health and fitness benefits you'll derive from putting in the necessary work are worth whatever sacrifices you must make along the way.

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I can't count how many times I've heard the same excuses. Each time, I always give the same response: Yes, I say, working out is work. So is taking the time to eat right. Planting yourself on the couch or having drinks with friends after work is a lot easier than exercising, and hitting the McDonald's drive-thru takes a lot less time than cooking a meal at home. But channel surfing, margaritas and a Quarter Pounder With Cheese aren't going to produce some of the things worth having--a low cholesterol level or the confidence to go shirtless on the beach. Those benefits demand a long-term effort.

I'm not saying you should eschew the occasional night on the town or gourmet meal at a five-star restaurant. Both have their place and are components of a well-rounded life. I've enjoyed my share of revelry and fine dining and look forward to those special opportunities to experience more of the good life. But I've managed to find a balance between those short-lived pleasures and a permanent adherence to a regular workout and a healthy diet. Because, in the end, it is the latter that will have a lasting improvement on the overall quality of my life. Hopefully, with dedication and the help of this magazine, you'll find the drive to improve the quality of your own as well.

Rewards of responsibility

Men's Fitness, May, 2003 by Joe Weider

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