Comprehensive Fitness: The Origins and Applications for Comprehensive Fitness Coaching

I proposed the idea that just as someone can spiral downward during stressful times, they can also spiral upward towards greater well-being. This notion emerged when advising an organizational leader struggling with work/life balance and was a moment of clarity that inspired what I now refer to as, The Comprehensive Fitness Model.

This paper explains how my experiences as an investigator for allegations of prisoner abuse in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and while serving as a First Sergeant during the roll-out of the “Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness” program (US Army, 2014) were early inspirations for the model. It will also explain how later, while working alongside scholars and seasoned Soldiers at the United States Military Academy, I encountered diverse and inspiring perspectives that contributed to the evolution of the model. Finally, after retiring from the military, works like Covey’s Seven Habits, Duckworth’s Grit, Seligman’s PERMA, and the eight dimensions of wellness influenced the model, which now comprises nine domains. We will explore each of these in detail and illustrate a unique 3-dimensional model that underscores the need for balance among them to achieve overall well-being.

Lastly, we will explore practical applications of Comprehensive Fitness across industries, particularly emphasizing the benefits for small businesses in hospitality and construction. For these sectors, known for challenges like high turnover and demanding work conditions, Comprehensive Fitness Coaching can address mental health issues and reduce turnover. This paper offers insights and strategies for implementing Comprehensive Fitness Coaching, contributing to a healthier and more resilient workforce across various industries.

The study of Comprehensive Fitness offers a unique perspective on holistic well-being, emphasizing the interplay of nine interconnected domains. As we delve deeper into the Comprehensive Fitness Model’s origins and applications, we gain valuable insights into how individuals and organizations can thrive by actively pursuing a state of holistic health.

Origins: The Inspiration behind the Comprehensive Fitness Model

From early experiences as an ocean lifeguard through a career as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Army, wellness led to readiness when being ready was literally a matter of life and death. I have seen firsthand how wellness is not just an individual endeavor; it has a profound impact on entire organizations (Wellable Labs, 2023). When people are physically, mentally, and emotionally well, they are not only better prepared for life’s challenges but also more productive and engaged in their work. My goal is to help create healthier and more resilient workplaces where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring that Comprehensive Fitness clients are #ReadyForLife.

Inspiration

In 2004, I was a Military Police Investigator when the news of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison surfaced, and I was assigned as a defense team investigator. This early experience profoundly shaped my worldview and led me to focus on leader development and Comprehensive Fitness. It is beyond the scope of this paper to explain the specifics of that investigation but that experienced reinforced how even junior members of an organization could influence everything from operational effectiveness to the perception of an entire nation (Mestrovic, 2006). It also left me with more questions than answers. However, one thing was clearer than ever – war is hell – and I found myself questioning whether my employer, the United States Army had done its part to prepare us for the ethical and interpersonal challenges that war would bring. More disturbing was the realization that we go to war with who we have and if they are not fit in every dimension prior to deployment, they will not suddenly find that balance in the middle of the night in a cold prison under constant threat of enemy attacks (Willis, 2017). Life offers numerous opportunities to rise to the occasion, and while war is undoubtedly one profound example, inevitably, everyone fights some sort of battle of their own and this period in my life served as an eye-opening experience that inspired me to help them prepare for and grow through it.

Foundation

The foundations of the Comprehensive Fitness Model, central to my journey and commitment to holistic well-being, can be traced back to pivotal moments in my military career and post-retirement research. During my tenure as a First Sergeant for a demanding Military Police Initial Entry Training program, the Army introduced the concept of “Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness” (US Army, 2014) and the “Army Resilience Program.” I recognized the value of these initiatives in fostering resilience among recruits and incorporated Master Resilience Training (US Army, 2014, p.7) into our curriculum. This initial exposure sparked my interest in holistic wellness, which was further nurtured during my time at the United States Military Academy, where I worked alongside scholars and seasoned Soldiers in behavioral science and leadership as they integrated the Five Dimensions of Strength: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family, into military doctrine (US Army, 2014, p.7).

Post-military retirement, my research journey led me to explore various sources of inspiration, including Steven Covey’s Seven Habits (Covey, 2016), Duckworth’s Grit (Duckworth, 2016), Seligman’s PERMA model (Seligman, 2011), and the eight dimensions of wellness (Montoya & Summers, 2021; Northwestern University, n.d.; Swarbrick & Yudof, 2014). Drawing from these influences, the Comprehensive Fitness Model evolved to encompass nine dimensions, each interconnected and essential to overall well-being. This model incorporates Maslow’s Hierarchy with deficiency and growth needs (Arloski, 2014, p. 30) and integrates NASM Optimum Performance Training model (National Academy of Sports Medicine [NASM], 2021), emphasizing gradual, sustainable enhancements in all aspects of life.

The Difference

The Comprehensive Fitness Model Was Born in Combat

What sets the Comprehensive Fitness Model apart is its origin in the crucible of real-life situations where the stakes were nothing short of life and death. This is where I learned the gravity of being well in scenarios where lives depended on it. This model emerged from a profound need for holistic well-being in high-pressure environments. In the military, where mission readiness and resilience are paramount, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of wellness. “Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness” introduced me to one method of multi-dimensional wellness and resilience-building.

The Spinning Top Analogy

The spinning top analogy is a core component of Comprehensive Fitness. Most wellness models present the domains in a 2-dimensional format often referred to as a “wheel” (Arloski, 2014; Myers, et al, 2000). I prefer to look at it as a 3-dimensional model, like an inverted pyramid or a spinning top. This highlights the challenge of finding balance and tending to the stabilizers. Focusing on one dimension excessively can lead to imbalances (Arloski, 2014; Global Wellness Institute, 2020; Myers, et al, 2000; Swarbrick & Yudof, 2014). Just as a spinning top requires balance to remain stable and spin smoothly, our lives demand equilibrium for optimal well-being. This dynamic, 3-dimensional perspective—an inverted pyramid is what makes this model distinctive. Horizontally, it embraces the nine dimensions of wellness like the Wellness Wheel, but vertically, it incorporates three levels of progression: stability, strength, and power, mirroring the NASM OPT model and echoing Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This unique blend offers a comprehensive roadmap to spiral upward in tough times.

The Nine Domains of the Comprehensive Fitness Model

I define Comprehensive Fitness as, “the constant and relentless pursuit of a better self.” Being fit means showing up authentically and being ready for life in nine dimensions. This section briefly explores my definition of each. The definitions are an amalgamation of personal perspective and research of models such as PERMA (Seligman, 2014), The Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness Program (US Army, 2014) and the eight dimensions of wellness (Montoya & Summers, 2021; Northwestern University, n.d.; Swarbrick & Yudof, 2014).

Nine Dimensions of Comprehensive Fitness

Definitions and explanations

Physical Fitness. The overall state of physical well-being characterized by the body’s ability to perform physical activities with vigor, strength, endurance, and flexibility, characterized by three components: sleep, diet, and exercise. Central to Physical Fitness is the Performance Triad (US Army, n.d.), a framework that optimizes physical performance and resilience. The triad consists of three factors: sleep, diet, and exercise. Deliberate attention to each of these has a direct impact on an individual’s overall health, performance, and quality of life. Consider this; approximately 50% of adults suffer from musculoskeletal conditions (The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020), 1 in 3 don get enough rest (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2022), only 24% meet minimum physical activity guidelines (Elgaddal, et al, 2022) and over 16% of deaths are attributed to poor diet and physical inactivity (Institute of Medicine [US] Committee on Examination of Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols, 2010).

Family Fitness. The art and science of fostering an environment where every family member feels trusted, respected, and valued, enabling open and safe conversations, embracing generational perspectives, and passing on cherished family values while cultivating strong, authentic connections. Family Fitness goes beyond physical health, emphasizing an environment where every family member feels safe, trusted, respected, and valued. Key aspects include promoting authenticity and trust, encouraging open conversations, passing on cherished family values while embracing evolving perspectives, and nurturing connections. Strategies for integrating family fitness into daily life include dedicating quality family time, practicing active listening, family mealtime & meetings, embracing generational changes in values, and creating a nurturing haven where love, trust, and authenticity flourish among family members.

Emotional Fitness: The foundation of personal development and well-being, encompassing emotional literacy, open expression of feelings, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges, fostering authenticity, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections. Emotional fitness underpins personal growth, resilience, and meaningful relationships. It entails embracing and openly expressing emotions, nurturing authenticity, and expanding emotional literacy. Emotional literacy, and familiarity with a full range of feelings as seen in the Emotions Wheel (Karimova, 2017), sharpens self-awareness and communication. This path challenges societal norms (Ohm & Wechselblatt, 2021), valuing vulnerability and sharing emotions as acts of courage. By cultivating emotional fitness, individuals foster empathy, create safe spaces, and gain resilience. Practical tools like mindfulness and support networks aid in navigating life’s challenges. Embracing emotions paves the way for meaningful connections.

Intellectual Fitness: Intellectual fitness is the active pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and continuous learning to enhance mental clarity and engage with the world’s complexities. Intellectual fitness is the active pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and continuous learning to enhance mental clarity and engage with the world’s complexities. It encourages openness to new experiences and ideas, pushing the boundaries of creative potential, and developing practical skills in academics and intellectual activities. Beyond cognitive prowess, it fosters a lifelong love for learning, transcending formal education. In the Comprehensive Fitness Model, Intellectual Fitness is intertwined with Emotional, Physical, Social, and Spiritual Fitness, creating a harmonious and purpose-driven life. Engaging the mind, expanding horizons, and embracing continuous learning are its core tenets.

Social Fitness. The art of building meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a strong support system, transcending differences to champion empathy, inclusivity, and responsible citizenship. Social Fitness underscores the significance of human connection. It rests upon the skill of nurturing authentic, meaningful relationships that offer support, trust, and shared experiences. More than friendship, it encourages interactions with diverse individuals and communities, fosters inclusivity, and challenges stereotypes. It encourages responsibility for the welfare of the entire community. It inspires authentic and vulnerable connection (Ohm & Wechselblatt, 2021), empathy, and shared goals that enrich well-being and promote a harmonious and fully connected world.

Environmental Fitness. The conscious cultivation of spaces that engender personal well-being while embracing sustainability and responsible ecological practices. Environmental Fitness, within the Comprehensive Fitness Model, harmonizes personal well-being with our planet’s health. It extends beyond mere existence, encouraging active engagement with our surroundings for wellness and sustainability. This dimension underscores the profound impact of external environments on our internal state, emphasizing sensory stimulation and well-being support. Embracing Victor Frankl’s principle of “control the controllables”, environmental Fitness also considers the impact of being a global citizen and acknowledges the emotional toll of uncontrollable environmental concerns.

Occupational Fitness. The dynamic pursuit of a career that harmonizes financial stability, personal fulfillment, and growth, emphasizing the importance of job crafting, upskilling, interpersonal relationships, adaptability, and continuous self-improvement to thrive in the evolving work landscape. Occupational Fitness, within the Comprehensive Fitness Model, is a dynamic and multifaceted dimension that goes beyond securing a job; it is about deliberately shaping a fulfilling career through job crafting (Wrzesniewski, et al, 2010) and upskilling (Vroman & Danko, 2022) in the ever-changing work landscape. It emphasizes interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, time management, and leadership development, fostering career resilience. Occupational Fitness encourages continuous self-improvement, viewing one’s career as an evolving landscape shaped by experiences and achievements. It signifies a commitment to lifelong learning, career satisfaction, and personal growth, leading to both thriving and finding purpose in one’s professional journey.

Financial Fitness. The state of being financially prepared, resilient, and capable of managing expenses, unexpected financial challenges, and economic changes effectively, all while planning for a strong financial future. According to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2023), nearly 40% of American adults would not be able to pay for an unexpected expense of $400 within one credit card billing cycle. This alarming statistic underscores the critical importance of mastering financial wellness by effectively managing finances. This includes budgeting, savings, and investments, to ensure financial stability, meet short-term and long-term goals, and contribute to career growth. Additionally, it intersects with other aspects of Comprehensive Fitness, such as Family, Occupational, and Environmental. Ultimately, Financial Fitness is integral to securing a prosperous and fulfilling future.

Spiritual Fitness. The quest for inner peace, the exploration of purpose, and the alignment with our beliefs and values, transcending religious boundaries to nurture our sense of meaning, moral compass, and integrity in life. Spiritual fitness transcends religious confines to encompass a quest for inner serenity, a purposeful journey, and the alignment with one’s beliefs and values. Seligman’s (2011) positive psychology principles of the “M” in PERMA resonate with this pursuit, emphasizing the significance of finding meaning and evolving values. While Kouzes and Posner’s leadership insights remind us that spiritual fitness extends beyond workplaces, embodying self-leadership through integrity and values alignment (Kouzes & Posner, 2023). Exploring morality and embracing diverse values fosters empathy and calibrates an ethical compass.

Assessments

It is beyond the scope of this paper to enumerate the various assessments associated with each domain. However, it is important to point out that to effectively coach any client, various assessments ought to be used to establish a baseline (Arloski, 2014, p.130; NASM, 2021, p. 342). Central to the Comprehensive Fitness Coaching model is a 3-dimensional model of the widely accepted Wellness Wheel (Arloski, 2014, p. 132) to establish a baseline of a coaching client’s subjective evaluation of their level of fitness in each of the nine domains. Based on the wheel assessment findings, many other assessments can help provide objective and subjective data for an individualized coaching plan.

Practical Applications for Comprehensive Fitness Coaching

While applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries, small businesses, often constrained by limited resources, can benefit significantly from a Comprehensive Fitness culture (Black, et al, 2019; Society for Human Resource Management, 2012). To limit the scope, this paper will focus on the application of the Comprehensive Fitness Model in the construction and hospitality industries.

The Hospitality Industry

In the hospitality industry, characterized by high turnover rates and demanding work, research suggests that Comprehensive Fitness Coaching can address mental health challenges and reduce turnover (Simmons, 2020) particularly with the employment of mindfulness practices (Bolm, et al, 2022).

Comprehensive Fitness Coaching does not merely focus on physical health; it takes a holistic approach that encompasses mental, emotional, financial, and occupational aspects. In the hospitality industry, this approach becomes especially relevant. Employees in this sector often work irregular hours, handle stressful situations, face the constant pressure of meeting customer expectations, and disproportionately bear the burden of emotional labor (Trishna, et al, 2021).

By implementing Comprehensive Fitness Coaching programs, hospitality organizations can proactively address these challenges. As employees become more equipped to handle the pressures of their roles, turnover rates are likely to decrease, leading to cost savings and increased customer satisfaction (Simmons, 2020).

By nurturing employee holistic well-being, hospitality businesses can create a more positive work environment. When employees feel cared for and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles (Trishna, et al, 2021).

The Construction Industry

Similarly, construction workers and contractors often face precarious working conditions, physical demands, and job insecurity. Research suggests that involving employees in a bottoms-up approach to wellness initiatives is most effective (Carvajal-Arango, et al, 2021). This is where the Comprehensive Fitness Coaching model can make a significant impact.

While physical fitness, including Musculoskeletal issues is an ever-present concern (Eaves, et al, 2016), construction workers and contractors face unique challenges that extend beyond physical fitness. Their occupational fitness is tied to their safety, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Upskilling, including traditional soft skills is essential for workforce effectiveness, hiring, and retention (Van Heerden, et al, 2023).

Financial Fitness coaching might also be particularly important in the construction industry. Construction work is often seasonal and project-to-project, so financial stability can be a challenge. Coaching on budgeting and basic savings goal setting can help plan for the future, and reduce financial stress, enhancing overall well-being.

Lastly, construction workers are predominantly men. The lack of emotional literacy is a concern in male dominated professions (Ohm & Wechselblatt, 2021). The intentional inclusion of Emotional Fitness coaching among the largely male workforce could have resounding impacts in multiple domains. Most notably, family, emotional, and occupational.

In conclusion, the Comprehensive Fitness Coaching model is a versatile and adaptable tool that can benefit businesses across industries. For small businesses, where resources may be limited, comprehensive coaching focused on overall fitness and individual readiness may have a significant impact on both employees and business profitability. More research is needed to determine specific applications and effectiveness of Comprehensive Fitness Coaching to address industry-specific challenges, reduce turnover, enhance safety, and contribute to a more positive work environment.

Each of us only has one life to live. With compassionate and empathetic Comprehensive Fitness Coaching, I believe each of us can spiral upward toward a more fulfilling and rewarding life. But it will require a constant and relentless pursuit of a better self. #ReadyForLife.

 

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