Jon: We started at Prototype around Labor Day 2023 after our move from Minnesota. We had been doing CrossFit for a few years, and we really wanted to find a new “gym family” since neither of us knew anyone in the area. From Day 1, everyone has been super welcoming! I kept my job in MN and work remotely, so the “5:30 PM” crew is my closest social network. I have been super comfortable at the gym – I’m not the fastest / strongest; everyone just supports the fact that I’m there moving my body.
Liza: I really appreciate that everyone at Prototype has been super welcoming to us – whether they have been going there for years or are new to the community like we are. Everyone is very supportive of each other no matter their current skill / fitness level.
What is your favorite part about being at Prototype?
Jon: having been at a different gym, I love the coaching focus on safety – especially when the coaches show us, after the proper technique, areas where things can go wrong. I really love Garrett’s shoulder stretches – I’ve had shoulder problems for years, and my shoulders feel great right now. My favorite thing is that, after class, people go around and fist bump everyone. It makes me feel seen and included, whether I was at my best that day or not.
Liza: I really enjoy going to class in the afternoon as a way to transition from work to the rest of my day. No matter what my mood is when I get to the gym, I leave any frustrations behind when the workout is over.
What are your hobbies and activities?
We are entering a new phase of life where “watching our kids sports” is waning (thankfully not 100% gone). We tried to fill some of that gap by going to Westborough volleyball games last year – and ran into more folks from the gym! We are viewing our time in Mass as an adventure, so we are trying to take in as much of the local history and community as we can. We would love recommendations on places to go (parks, camping) or tour!
How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you?
Jon: Generally, my mobility has not been great for even simple things like a 4-point squat, doing anything “overhead,” or catching in a squat position. I have a LONG way to go, but I can see improvements in mobility, range of motion, and strength in areas I have normally struggled. Outside of the gym-specific things, the people at the gym have been great at helping with everything from recommendations on businesses to work with to places to eat / go.
Liza: Meeting people through Prototype has helped us feel more connected to the community. More specifically I have seen gains in both my overall fitness and some skills that I have been working on for a while, like pullups and double unders!!
What are your continuing fitness goals to this point?
Jon: In general, I just want to stay active and exercise 5 days a week. I need to lose some weight and improve my cardio, and Prototype will be key to helping me with both. I don’t have a lot of movement-specific goals. Bench press is by far my favorite movement – I’d love to see some small gains as I approach 50 this summer. Besides that, I feel like I’m getting closer to doing toes to bar, and I can do more pullups (still not many) and deadlift more (still less than I bench, lol) than I ever have.
Liza: My goal is to be able to live good habits around exercising consistently and staying active. Incremental gains in strength / skills are motivation for me to come to the gym, even on days when other things could get in the way.
Favorite Quote:
Jon: “Don’t be afraid to fail.” I really do feel comfortable trying things I’m not amazing at while at the gym. Coaches meet me where I am with technique suggestions and support.
