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“Can pre-teen and teen athletes really make improvements as the season goes on?” That’s a question I get all the time. And the answer is simple: Absolutely. But… they may not if all they’re doing is playing their sport. Wait, Isn’t Playing Enough? It’s not that playing their sport isn’t valuable—it’s hugely important! That’s where kids compete, have fun, and apply what they’ve learned. But here’s the kicker: it’s not where kids build new skills. It’s not where they improve movement mechanics, body control, or physical literacy. That happens in training. Playing their sport is the test. Training is the homework. So What Kind of Training Are We Talking About? I’m not saying your 10-year-old needs a lifting program or 5 a.m. workouts. I’m talking about focused, age-appropriate athletic development. Here’s what to look for: • Balance • Coordination • Strength through movement • Core control • Focus and body awareness • Drills that challenge the athlete as a whole, not just as a soccer or baseball player. But Isn’t That What Practice Is For? In theory, yes! But let’s be honest—most practices during the season are all about preparing for the next game. Coaches focus on tactics, plays, and who’s starting Saturday. That’s not a knock on coaches—they’re doing their job! But this focus often means your child’s individual development takes a back seat. Won’t Kids Burn Out If We Add More? Only if it’s the wrong type of more. The right kind of training isn’t exhausting—it’s energizing! It builds confidence and helps kids feel stronger, more in control, and less likely to get hurt. We’re not adding stress. We’re adding support. I have had a few parents share with me that when their athlete goes to practices after LTAD they play their best. Thats because there is a difference between a "workout" and a training session. LTAD isn't designed to put the athletes through a tough workout. Its a training session just like one of their practices for their sport it the goal is just a little different, its to make them a better athlete. So What Should I Do As a Parent? Look for a training environment that focuses on movement quality, fun challenges, and coaching that understands how kids learn. Keep it consistent, even during the season. We offer a few at Prototype thought our Youth Fundamentals classes and LTAD (Long Term Athletic Development) classes. And most importantly: Don’t assume playing their sport is enough. Because your athlete has more potential than what shows up on game day—and training is what unlocks it. Engaging your pre-teen / Teen in focused training can make a world of difference! It’s all about balancing play with the right kind of development. So get out there, find that perfect training environment, and watch your young athlete thrive! You can reach me with any questions @ steve@prototypetraining.com Steve Cimino Director of Youth Development Prototype Training Systems

1.) Share your experience at Prototype Walking into Prototype for the first time, I was pretty nervous, but I quickly realized how supportive and welcoming everyone was. The 7am crew deserves a huge shout-out for making me feel at ease from the moment I stepped in. It has been such a positive and inclusive environment that I’ve never looked back! 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? The best part of being at Prototype is the amazing community and the fantastic coaches. The camaraderie between everyone creates such an encouraging atmosphere, and the coaches are so knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking in the ADK and cheering on my Boston sports teams. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has helped me manage stress and find a sense of purpose after becoming an empty nester. It’s been a great way to stay active and connect with others while filling a void in my life. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? I’m focused on continuing to build strength and enhance my agility. I’m always looking for ways to push my limits and improve my overall fitness. 6.) Favorite Quote “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints” Chief Seattle

The end of the 2025 Prototype Open is here, and this year’s competition has been a testament to the power of consistency. The effort from everyone—whether seasoned veterans or newcomers—made this Open truly special. This event has highlighted the strength of community, the importance of persistence, and how much we can achieve when we keep showing up and supporting one another. A huge thank you to everyone who participated! Keep reading for details about the last week and highlights.

Week 2 of the 2025 Open kicked off with a mobility challenge and ended with a very challenging 25.2 workout. It has been awesome seeing everyone motivated and pushing through together.

The 2025 CrossFit Open is off and running, and Week 1 has already given us a solid challenge. From the Farmer's Carry to the workout itself, the energy in the gym has been awesome, and it’s clear that this year’s Open is going to be one to remember. The Challenge Let’s start with challenge #1. We kicked off with the Farmers Carry, asking athletes to carry 75% of their body weight. While it wasn’t the flashiest challenge, it was undoubtedly tough. There was no hiding here—either you carried the weight or you didn’t. But everyone gave it their all, and that’s what counts.

The February Break Camp unfolded as a true testament to what happens when kids are given the space to move, grow, and challenge themselves. It was a week that blended laughter with learning, games with grit, and most importantly, it helped cultivate both physical and personal development. A Perfect Balance: Fun Meets Fitness The camp itself was a mix of playfulness and purpose. Kids participated in games like Zombie Tag, Floor is Lava, and Relay Races, designed not just for fun, but to encourage teamwork, strategy, and healthy competition. These activities weren't just ways to burn energy—they were moments where kids learned to communicate, collaborate, and push their limits. Building Strength Through Technique The real highlights, however, happened when the kids were guided through key movement exercises. There was a wide range of skill levels among the kids, especially in the older group, with some already experienced in weightlifting through our regular LTAD program. It was amazing to see those kids step up and assist the newcomers, offering guidance and support, which created a fantastic sense of teamwork and mentorship throughout the camp. We also went over fundamental movements with the younger kids. Squats, box jumps, and jump roping weren’t just drilled for the sake of fitness—they were broken down into precise techniques that gave kids the tools to improve their form and build strength. As the week progressed, it was clear: each child was getting more in tune with their bodies, and that connection to movement became a source of empowerment. Truth Reps: Feedback and Leadership in Action One of the more impactful techniques employed was Truth Reps, where kids offered feedback on each other’s form during exercises. It wasn’t just about correcting posture—it was about fostering a culture of constructive feedback and leadership. What was particularly rewarding was seeing shy kids find their voice, offering tips or encouragement to their peers. The simple act of providing feedback became a powerful exercise in building confidence, self-expression, and camaraderie. Transformation Through Challenge Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of the week was the transformation that took place among the kids themselves. Whether it was on the rowers, during a relay, or while perfecting their squat form, children who were once hesitant began to step up. They learned not just to conquer physical challenges, but also to cheer on and support those around them. It was a rare, enriching experience where competition didn’t mean outshining others—it meant lifting each other higher. Looking Ahead to April Break Camp This camp was a great blend of fun and personal growth, and that’s exactly what we saw throughout the week. As the children bonded over shared victories and challenges, they also discovered the value of pushing past limits, speaking up, and learning from one another. As we look forward to April’s vacation break camp, there’s a palpable sense of excitement. We’re ready to take the next step in the journey, armed with the lessons and memories from February. The combination of play, physical development, and teamwork will only continue to evolve. For those interested, stay tuned for more details on how your child can be part of the April Break Camp. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and videos from the February Break Camp. Here’s to learning, growing, and moving together.

At Prototype Training Systems, we believe performance isn’t just about how hard you train—it’s about how well you recover. That’s why we created our state-of-the-art Recovery & Performance Center, a space designed to help you rebuild, restore, and perform at your best—physically and mentally. Real Results, Real Transformation 🔥 Sauna Therapy → Reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance relaxation ❄️ Cold Plunge → Accelerate recovery, boost resilience, and sharpen mental focus "I had my first pain-free day in 10 years after consistently using the sauna and cold plunge!" 🏋️‍♂️ Train for Life, Not Just for Today For us, fitness isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient body for the rest of your life. Whether it’s bouncing back from injuries, increasing longevity, or simply feeling better every day, our recovery center empowers you to push harder while staying pain-free. 🧠 Mental & Physical Recovery Go Hand in Hand Training isn’t just about your body—it’s about your mind. A single session in our Recovery Center leaves you feeling refreshed, sleeping better, and performing at a higher level. Why Recovery is the Missing Piece of Your Fitness Journey ✅ Faster recovery & reduced pain ✅ Stronger workouts with less risk of injury ✅ Improved sleep quality and stress reduction ✅ A bulletproof mindset for lifelong fitness “I used to avoid recovery, now I look forward to it. I’ve never slept better, I feel incredible, and I perform at my highest level every day.” Ready to Take Your Performance to the Next Level? 📍 Visit us at Prototype Training Systems, Westborough, MA 📲 Follow us on social media for more fitness & recovery tips! 🌐 Learn more: Click the link below to see membership optoins 💥 Recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Experience it today! 💥

Congratulations to Natalie for being February's Prototype of the Month! Below, she shares his experience with Prototype, what drives her, and the goals that keep her motivated. 1.) Share your experience at Prototype. I have been at Prototype for a little over a year but started doing drop-in classes prior to that. Every time I dropped into class, I was welcomed and felt really at home, which prompted me to join after a 4 year Crossfit hiatus. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? I really love the camaraderie and the way everyone supports and encourages each other. The energy and joking of the 5am class is what motivates me to get up at the crack of dawn to workout each week. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? I am obsessed with traveling and travel planning! I really enjoy running and hiking, especially with friends. I also really love my job and furthering my education and career. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has helped me to love Crossfit and working out in a group again. After a 4 year hiatus and working out by myself, I am really enjoying the way that the classes and people motivate me to work on my weaknesses and to push myself further than I would alone. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? I want to get back to doing pull-ups and toes to bar again without struggling and despising them so much. 6.) Favorite Quote Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference. -Denzel Washington