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　__1__　up to them. But perhaps it does explain our　__2__　to add to the ever-growing list. There’s already so much to do in a day, why tack on an　__3__　burden?

　　Unfortunately, it’s this kind of defeatist mentality　__4__　keeps people from enhancing their lives through proper　__5__　and exercise. Here is the salient point, though: The health and fitness benefits you’ll derive from　__6__　the necessary work are worth whatever sacrifices you must make　__7__　the way. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard the same　__8__　. Each time, I always give the same response: Yes, I say, working out is work. So is taking the　__9__　to eat right.　__10__　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　__11__　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　__12__　to go shirtless on the beach. Those benefits demand a　__13__　 effort. I'm not saying you should eschew the　__14__　night on the town or gourmet meal at a five-star restaurant. Both have their　__15__　and are components of a well-rounded life. I’ve enjoyed my　__16__　of revelry and fine　__17__　and look forward to those special opportunities to experience more of the good life. But I’ve managed to find a balance between those　__18__　.pleasures and a permanent　__19__　to a regular workout and a healthy diet. Because,　__20__　, it is the latter that will have a lasting improvement on the overall quality of my life.