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 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.
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
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