Prototype of the Month: Carolyn Keiper

I’ve always been active- I’ve played in an adult volleyball league, did a lot of running, skated on the Worcester Roller Derby team. But, I had never been a member of a gym. For years, friends from CFP (Syam, Buffy, Annie and Dennis) had been trying to get me to come here. It always seemed a bit intimidating- heavy weights, strong people, loud music! Then- I herniated a disc in my lower back and needed to be deliberate about getting stronger. I started meeting with Leah at my work gym and I followed her to Prototype.

My 5am crew, the coaches, the community feel! It’s not a bunch of musclemen lifting heavier and heavier weights- it’s a crew of people who are on different fitness journeys- and all of those journeys and accomplishments are equally celebrated.

I like to read, I love to travel, I’m getting more into hiking and camping. I love my time with my husband, 3 kids and pup and my friends who are like family. I love to laugh until it hurts.

Funny you should ask! Just yesterday I finished the Trans Catalina Trail with 4 friends- we hiked and camped our way across Catalina Island. There is absolutely no way I could have done this 2 years ago. Prototype got me strong enough and my back stable enough to have this adventure!

To keep moving. To keep my back healthy. To try to undo years of being taught that the value of my body is measured in its size and shape.

It isn’t fitness related- but I love it- if you want peace, work for justice.