The 4-Way Test and Wellness, part 4
Is it beneficial to all concerned?
My first personal training gig was at an Anytime Fitness, where I enjoyed the people I worked with and quickly advanced from “personal trainer” to “personal training department manager.”
In time, however, I found that the culture of working in a “big box” gym didn’t fit with my personality, mainly because of our general management’s focus on high pressure sales tactics.
To that end, we were required to attend regular trainings – not to improve our skills at helping clients, but to teach and motivate us to sell harder and sell more.
The company that ran these trainings for us used a guided 10-step selling process that we as trainers were tested and evaluated on. The sales process included weighing and “body fat testing” new members who signed up for these “free fitness consultations,” then leading them through something called “The 7 Skillful Questions” that were essentially a way of psychologically warming them up to say “yes” when the time came to sign a contract and write a check.
Rather than these questions, I wish they had focused more on the “4-Way Test” questions we’ve been exploring in my current series of articles. These questions, which make up the values statement of Rotary International, are intended to add balance and integrity to any endeavor. While they are intended to be applied toward business relationships, we’ve been looking at them in the context of fitness and wellness.
Let’s review what we’ve covered so far:
1. It it true? Is this workout, this program, or this plan the right thing, and the right thing for you right now?
2. Is it fair to all concerned? Is what you’re doing contributing to balance between your physical and mental health, your family life, your work, and your personal growth?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Are you strengthening your social support network and growing together with your “tribe”?
This week we conclude the series by looking at question 4 of the 4-Way Test: Will It Be Beneficial to All Concerned?
There’s a ripple effect to fitness that benefits not only you, but your family, your friends, and your community.
When we think about fitness and wellness, the immediate benefits that come to mind often revolve around personal goals — better health, improved strength, and more energy. But fitness can be far more impactful than just an individual pursuit.
How Your Fitness Benefits Your Family and Community
We’ve all heard the airplane safety spiel: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others.” While it’s a simple instruction, the message extends far beyond air travel – it’s a powerful reminder for life, especially when it comes to health and fitness.
When you prioritize your fitness, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re equipping yourself to better support those who depend on you. For firefighters or EMTs, for instance, physical fitness isn't just a personal choice – it can literally save lives. The same applies in everyday life: whether you're a parent, partner, or teammate, your ability to perform, stay strong, and endure challenges directly affects those around you.
Imagine being unable to help a loved one during an emergency because you’re too out of shape to act effectively. Similarly, consider how your energy levels and mood influence your interactions. When you neglect your health, you risk limiting your capacity to be present, proactive, and protective.
By staying fit, you’re putting on your metaphorical oxygen mask. You’re ensuring you have the strength, resilience, and mental clarity to not only handle your own challenges but also to uplift and assist others.
In the end, exercise, fitness, and wellness aren’t just beneficial for one person — they’re beneficial for all concerned. Finding the right exercise fit for yourself, meeting your core wellness needs, and realizing how your health impacts those around you are all essential to making fitness work for you and your community.
Prioritizing your fitness isn’t selfish – it’s one of the most selfless things you can do. When you take care of yourself first, you empower yourself to take care of everyone else better.
Fitness is not just about you – it’s about everyone who counts on you.