We just finished observing Independence Day weekend; for Americans it is a time of celebration as we commemorate our freedom from the tyrannical rule of kings in Britain. As of July 4, 1776, a single person was no longer the most powerful thing in our nation; the law was now the supreme ruler. While our union has not always been perfect [refer to centuries of chattel slavery], I would like to think that we are guided by this idea.

Unfortunately, there are many who focus on independence, liberty, and freedom without understanding the responsibilities that must go along with them. The thirteen colonies did not declare their independence from the British in order to create an anarchist society where anything goes; on the contrary, it was an imperfect attempt to create an egalitarian system where people are treated with dignity and where we support each other. The Constitution (which came about 13 years later) was the “responsibility” that came along with the “freedom.” Two years later, the Bill of Rights was ratified; in other words, our obligations came first and our rights came later.

This narrative parallels the story of the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt in the Book of Exodus. The people were freed from the tyranny of Pharaoh and Egyptian servitude; they were not released in order to run around like wild people in the wilderness. On the contrary, according to Jewish tradition, the people received the Law at Mt. Sinai exactly seven weeks later. They were set free in order to be able to serve each other and God; the Torah was their guidebook.

What does any of this have to do with fitness? We are given our bodies as a possession with which we can do as we please (although your actual mileage may vary). We are autonomous beings. We can choose to live in a healthy way–exercising, eating healthily, getting proper rest, etc.–or we can let unhealthy habits take over our lives. Our bodies provide us a certain amount of freedom, but we have a responsibility to our bodies as well. If we do not treat them right, they will rebel and we will suffer.

As we make our way into the 250th year of American independence, let us reflect upon our obligations to others to help make this country a place of peace, justice, opportunity, and liberty. Let us also not forget the obligations we have to our own physical well-being; without our health, it is impossible to fulfill our other responsibilities.