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 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
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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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