COVID-19 Delta Variant and Our Next Steps

Mike Collette • August 6, 2021
A man talking on a cell phone in front of a fire extinguisher

I think we can all agree that we can’t predict the future, but the biggest predictor of future success or failure is that of previous success or failure.

In 2020 and into 2021, COVID put a lot of pressure on the health of people and also the health of many businesses, small businesses in particular. 20 to 30% of gyms have closed down and we’re seeing more and more comorbidities and additional health issues as a result of lack of exercise, proper nutrition, and self-isolation.

Mental health has been at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds, even celebrities, and professional athletes are talking about it more and more.

I would argue that COVID has expedited this conversation on mental health and that in and of itself is a good thing in my perspective.

But as we move into this next phase and with the resurgence of the Covid-19 Delta variant, we can’t predict the future or how long any of this will last. But as I mentioned previous success or previous failures are a pretty good indicator of future success or future failures.

At Prototype, I will say in my humble opinion that we handled this Covid situation with a tremendous amount of success.

From May 2020 to August 2021, we have had over 30,000 total class sign-ins with over 395 different clients who have come into the facility.

I can say with a lot of confidence that there was a 0% transmission rate in our facility of COVID-19.

We took a conservative approach, we communicated every step and we took additional precautions that candidly was not cheap. Our expenses in 2020 were higher than any previous year of business. With that said, the precautions, time, and effort that we put in were well worth it.

So as we approach this next phase, and I’m calling it the “Delta phase”, I really hope that we can continue to move forward and not backward. However, based on the current statistics it looks like things are trending in a direction that looks similar to 2020.

As a result, a s of Monday, August 9th, all Prototype team members will be required to wear masks indoors while working. We take the health and our team and members very seriously and always have.

In addition, we are highly recommending (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) to wear a mask while training indoors at Prototype as of 8/9. If unvaccinated, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask INDOORS at Prototype. Including children under 12 years old based on the guidance from the CDC.

We have consistently followed the CDC guidelines and more specifically, the MA state guidelines. As of now, there are no official mandates from the state of MA (which means there is no official law or mandate that is requiring us to make you wear a mask in our gym).

I will tell you with 100% certainty that working out with a mask is not as fun as working out without a mask!

However, I will also stay with 100% certainty that not exercising or putting your health first again it’s going to be a bigger problem than working out with a mask.

A lot of people have started to make positive changes in their habits to get back on the right track as a result of not continuing to exercise or put focus on their health. A lot of that also has to do with your environment, and if you’re not in the gym or within a community of people that will help facilitate a better lifestyle, it makes it really challenging.

Now I don’t know what the next month two months three months or so and looks like but I will tell you that we will make the best decisions that we can make to keep our team and clients safe at Prototype.

There is no political agenda or conspiracy theory behind this Message, my biggest goal is to continue to help those that are part of this community.

We have to do that we will and we will always and forever appreciate your continued support as it means the world to us.

To read out full guidelines and what we have done to date, you can check that out here.

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
Prototype Training Systems at Westborough High School Winter Sports Meeting
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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