What does community mean to you?

Mike Collette • August 19, 2020

The word Community gets thrown around a lot to describe a group of people. But what does it actually mean?

By: Mike Collette

A group of people are stacking their hands together.

At Prototype, we often refer to the people who make up our membership at Prototype as our community. A collective group of diverse, like-minded individuals, with shared interests to better their lives.

 

But when you look up the word “community”, it is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.”  

 

The second definition  is a group of people living together in one place, especially one practicing common ownership.”  

 

Below are all the definitions you will find for the word community.

The word community is on a piece of paper

The majority of these definitions describe a community being based on location, which we don’t necessarily always get to choose. Even the definition that talks about “sharing common attitudes” is still vague as to what a community is. Furthermore, the use of the word “community” has continued to grow in popularity to describe a group of people despite it not clearly being defined.

A graph showing the use over time for community.

So what does a real community mean and stand for?

Well, I might not have the new definition for you, but I believe that in order to define a community you have to have a few things.

 

 

  • Relationship Driven

 

Relationships are at the core of every community. Our vision at Prototype is to create the greatest relationship business ever. Great relationships are driven by care, empathy, and a desire to help others without expecting anything in return. This creates trust and trust is an incredibly powerful thing that can bond people together for a long time. 

 

  • Something tangible=people

 

In my opinion, a community has to be made up of something tangible. That tangible thing for all communities is all of us, human beings! Like is there really a Teddy Bear community? There is a difference between community and brand loyalty or product loyalty. The community needs to be centered around the people.

 

  • Common identity or goal

 

The people that make up the community have to have common interests, a shared identity, or similar goals. These are what binds people together and are the catalysts to creating amazing relationships. You don’t have to be from the same place or be identical to someone else, but a shared identity (Like being a CrossFitter as an example) can be a strong relationship starter. 

 

So how would you define the community here at Prototype? 

 

What makes the Prototype community what it is to you?

 

Let us know, we would love to hear from you!

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
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
By Mike Collette October 21, 2025
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