Introducing The Prototype Challenge Coin

Mike Collette • August 29, 2023
A logo for prototype training systems says grow yourself grow your people
We pride ourselves on being more than just a gym at Prototype Training Systems… as you know we are a coaching community and relationship business above all.
In the spirit of strengthening the bond we share and recognizing the incredible dedication, effort, and camaraderie displayed by our members, we are launching the first edition Prototype Challenge Coin.
My inspiration stems from the revered tradition of military challenge coins. These coins, steeped in honor and history, are given to soldiers to represent comradeship, prove membership in an elite group, and honor extraordinary actions. They are tokens of unity, belonging, and recognition.

I have been fortunate to receive one of these coins from a former 4-star Admiral in the US Navy. I didn’t know it at the time, but he hasn’t given many of these out. They are custom with his credentials and name on it and it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever been given… and this is a guy who The Pope went to visit him… pretty freaking cool! You can read more about the military’s challenge coins here. 

With that said, both the military and our Challenge Coin is not merely a decorative token. They have to be earned. When you receive one, know that it stands for:

Community: Celebrating the bond we share as members of Prototype Training Systems.

Achievement: Recognizing the milestones you’ve crossed in your fitness journey, be it in skill, dedication, or resilience.
Stewardship: Saluting the spirit of helping, motivating, and uplifting fellow gym members.
Membership: Symbolizing that you’re not just a member, but an integral part of the Prototype community.

So how do you earn this coin?

The coins ARE NOT FOR SALE, and they cannot be claimed but must be earned. Coaches AND long-standing members may be awarded them AND nominated to receive one by peers who they feel have gone above and beyond, either in their training journey or in their contributions to the community.

The Coins are a testament to what we stand for – stewardship, growing ourselves, helping others grow, perseverance, and community. If you receive one of these, our hope is that you recognize you did something pretty special to have earned one.

If you’re a member at Prototype and someone from our community comes to mind let me know.  Not every recommendation will qualify but share with me first and your reasoning.
We have a total of 100 of these that will be given out until they are gone. They won’t last forever, and not everyone will earn one, but everyone has an equal opportunity to receive one.

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November Prototype of the Month: Tim Trainor

By Mike Collette • November 2, 2025
Tim has been an incredible part of our community — always positive, funny, generous, and willing to help. His energy makes everyone around him better. Prototype of the Month is well deserved! Below he answers some questions about his time at PTS. 1.) Share your experience at Prototype This actually isn’t my first stint at Prototype - I’ve been around and worked out here a few times in my heyday. My very first legitimate class though, as a member, was 5am earlier this year and I was welcomed first by Nicole. You can all imagine how that interaction went… and I came back! Prototype is welcoming, fun, clean, and I’ve made amazing friends along the way. It is one of the best hours of my day. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? Prototype is not just another workout but a mental reset for me, it fills my cup. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? Activities mostly involve time with my family outside whenever we can, trips to Ptown and traveling all over for work. I have a hard time sitting still and typically keep a busy schedule. Mix in photography and interior design opportunities with fitness and family and I’d say that's my perfect mix. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? I work remotely so in person face to face conversation is something I’ve found I need for my mental health. I’m also super competitive so I tend to push a little harder when I workout with others. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? I want to be a parent who can show up for their kids in every aspect of life, which also means physically. Staying fit is important to be able to keep up with them as we collectively get older. I am training for a few Hyrox races coming up but mostly just trying to maintain my current level of fitness for as long as possible. 6.) Favorite Quote “There is only one success - to be able to live your life in your own way” -Fortune Cookie
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