Prototype of the Month: Jeff Kaplan

Mike Collette • February 10, 2021
A prototype of the month certificate for jeff kaplan

Our Prototype of the month is a member that is voted on by the coaching staff at Prototype. Each month the coaches get together to nominate and vote (which is super hard to do!) a member of the community that has been represented the values and what it means to be part of the Prototype community!

Share your Prototype experience and fitness journey

 

I have always been a person who enjoyed physical activity. As a kid, I played soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, skied, ran track, and played football all the way through high school. It was not until college that I really discovered weight training. As most people do in their 20’s, I concentrated mostly on the “show me” muscles – biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and back. I played pick-up and men’s league basketball for my cardio. I first discovered CrossFit when Mike opened the gym. When I saw the concept, I was immediately drawn to it. For those who know me, I am extremely competitive. The idea of a whiteboard with daily rankings at the time seemed like an awesome concept. Except when you are extremely competitive. I found myself getting hurt fairly often. I took a break from Prototype and did more cardio-based with traditional strength training and personal training. After pretty serious triceps surgery I was referred to Andy Vassor. He was very helpful in getting me back to full strength. Then I started taking his HIIT classes at AV Fitness. Unfortunately, Covid hit and he was not able to continue. I really enjoyed the class environment and wanted to find something similar and came across Leah’s THRIVE class. Which I also refer to as Leah’s House of Pain.

 

What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? 

 

The coaches and the community are by far the best part and what separates this from any gym experience I have ever had. I am fortunate to have a basement gym with the equipment I have acquired over the years, but it just is not the same. One of the most rewarding things has been having my family participate. My sons Sam and Max were both taking classes during their winter break and recently my wife Cheryl has been training with Brian.

 

What are your hobbies and activities?

 

I still play basketball and can often be found on the golf course. At home, I love spending time with our two dogs, Shana and Maddie. I don’t know if I would call trying to feed twin 18-year-olds a hobby. It is more like a full-time job but I am often grilling obscene amounts of meat on the deck.

 

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

 

It has been a huge help to my golf game. That is not saying much because almost anything would be but I have seen a big difference with my flexibility and balance. Unfortunately, I have not seen how it will contribute to my basketball game but can’t wait to see it once I start playing again.

 

What are your continuing fitness goals to this point?

 

To live until I die. I am someone that wants to stay active long into my life. In the short term, I would like to go to a beach and not get laughed at when I take off my shirt. In the long term, I have a great uncle that is still playing 9 holes of golf a couple of days a week at 99. I would take that.

 

What is your favorite quote? 

“Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

Previous Blogs

By Mike Collette December 2, 2025
Devon is a fantastic part of our community — always kind, coachable, easy-going, and consistently putting in the work. She shows up, supports others, and truly represents what PTS is all about. Prototype of the Month is well deserved! Below, she answers a few questions about her time at PTS. 1.) Share your experience at Prototype After what felt like an entire year of sitting during grad school, I knew I wanted to be more active. I came back to Prototype, and it was the best decision. I’ve made so many new friends here who make every class fun (no matter how tough the workout is) but my favorite moment has to be meeting my boyfriend Ed! 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? I used to do at-home workouts and always felt like something was missing. When I came to Prototype, it felt like I finally found that missing piece, the community! It truly makes a huge impact. Everyone here genuinely wants the best for you. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? If I’m outside, I love playing pickleball, skiing, and going for walks. And if I'm inside I enjoy crocheting, reading, or baking! 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? Prototype has shown me that if you put your mind to something, you can truly do hard things. I also know I will always feel better after going to the gym. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting in the car, but I never regret it once I’m there. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? To get some form of movement everyday and to one day get a pull up. 6.) Favorite Quote “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever.” -Walt Disney
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