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 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
More Posts

Climb to New Heights

Prototype Training Systems is more than a gym - it is a lifestyle. Join us today!

Book Free No-Sweat Intro