Prototype of the Month: Dan McCarthy

Mike Collette • October 5, 2020
A prototype of the month certificate for dan mccarthy

Share your Prototype experience and fitness journey

My Prototype experience was probably like everyone else…  I’d drive by the gym, craning my neck every time to see in through the windows thinking about how much I wanted to do join but – insert lame excuse – and I would keep on driving.  It wasn’t until my feet took me in.  I hadn’t done any research, any internet snooping, nothing.  My feet just took control and brought me in.  Together, they and I met Mike.  His genuine interest in getting me back in shape, along with the vibe of the gym, made it feel like I belonged there!  The environment felt so normal. I felt no apprehension, no second guessing of myself. I was amongst my people!!  (It was between classes and a few people were comparing WOD strategy, someone was trying not to sweat too much on the folding chairs as he changed his shoes, Jeremiah was holding court talking to no one and everyone about last night’s debauchery, music was bumping lively.)

What is your favorite part about being at Prototype?

The best part of Prototype is the community, the CFP family.  Plain and simple!

What are your hobbies and activities?

Family, work, CFP and music are my hobbies. I love electronic music! You’re never too old to rave!!

How has (if it has) Prototype helped you outside the gym (in sports etc)?

Being included in such a positive community as Prototype, in general, I feel more optimistic, more positive.  I am less negative and sour.  I mean, how can one be bitchy after spending just a minute with Brian?  How can one be a hater after seeing a John Collette class adjourn? Am I the only one who feels uplifted after talking with Leah?  Hearing about people’s accomplishments, in and out of the gym, is a great energy.  All of these, and countless other details, make CFP addicting!

What are you continuing fitness goals to this point?

If I have one legitimate fitness goal, it is to not burn out.  When I was another guy, in another world a lifetime ago, my typical fitness shelf-life lasted two months.  I would hit a gym, work out, get bored and bail.  I think the difference with this go-around is, well, everything is different!

What is your favorite quote?

“Hunger makes the best sauce”.  My grandfather used to say it about sitting down to a meal but it can apply to just about anything.

Previous Blogs

By Mike Collette February 3, 2026
Sharang is a standout part of the Prototype community—steady, positive, and always putting in the work—and his commitment to consistency, camaraderie, and long-term progress makes him a perfect example of what PTS is all about. Below he answers some questions and shares his experience. Share your experience at Prototype—favorite memories, moments, or stories or what’s your favorite part/what do you look forward to? What stands out most about Prototype is the camaraderie. The members, especially in the 7AM and Noon classes, create a great balance of fun and focus. Everyone is friendly and supportive, but when it’s time to work, people take the WODs seriously and push themselves to improve. That combination can be hard to find. All the coaches play a huge role in setting that tone. My favorite moments are the everyday ones i.e. showing up, putting in the work together, leaving class feeling accomplished. What I look forward to most is continuing to train alongside people who genuinely enjoy the process and want to get better. “Because summer’s coming.” Who at Prototype has made the biggest impact on you and why? As a dad of two young daughters, the people who’ve made the biggest impact on me at Prototype are the women in the gym. They all train with confidence, strength, consistency and set a powerful example. It’s the kind of environment I hope my daughters grow up seeing where strength is normal and earned. What are your hobbies and activities outside the gym? I dabble a bit in photography, star gazing and love to travel. Playing atrocious golf. How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has helped me stay active. There’s a real sense of happiness and accomplishment after each workout, and that feeling has become addictive in the best way. Knowing I’ll leave class feeling stronger, physically and mentally, keeps me coming back. Prototype has turned working out from something I should do into something I genuinely want to do, which has made a huge difference in maintaining a sustainable fitness routine. What are your current fitness goals? Steady progress and longevity. If I can keep lifting, moving well, and feeling good years from now, I’ll consider that a win. I hope my future self will thank my present self. Favorite Quote If you can’t explain it simply you don't understand it well enough.
By Mike Collette December 30, 2025
Greg is an amazing part of our community — consistent, encouraging, and ready to get after it. He truly represents what the PTS community is all about. Prototype of the Month is well deserved! Below, he answers a few questions about his time at PTS. Share your experience at Prototype—favorite memories, moments, or stories or what’s your favorite part/what do you look forward to? I definitely look forward to that feeling of clarity after finishing up a workout. I feel ready to tackle the rest of the day. Sometimes I have trouble getting mentally ready for a tough looking metcon, but I always feel better afterwards. Who at Prototype has made the biggest impact on you and why? All the coaches and members are great, I look forward to seeing everyone when I am there, but the person who has made the biggest impact is Bridget Owens. She is my motivation and always pushes me to keep going and push myself to get better. What are your hobbies and activities outside the gym? I love cycling and mountain biking, the workouts at prototype have definitely helped improve my fitness so that I can do better on the bike even though I don’t get out as often as I would like. Also spending time with my family, grilling and BBQing when the weather is nice and getting to the beach in the summer. How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has helped enormously with my level of anxiety, I was really struggling when we first moved into town, the community and workouts at Prototype have been a life saver for my mental health. What are your current fitness goals? I want to get better at gymnastics, maybe get some toes to the bar. Favorite Quote Two Quotes: “Bone on bone, stack it” -Jon “Activate the lower half” -Brian
By Mike Collette December 11, 2025
Prototype Training Systems at Westborough High School Winter Sports Meeting
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