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 March 2, 2026
Enzo is a standout part of the Prototype community—supportive, determined, and a pleasure to be around. 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? When I first went to the gym, coming from the Nike camps, being at a real gym was a great experience. The coaches were all excellent and helped with my growth. Who at Prototype has made the biggest impact on you and why? Steve Cimino - has coached me 1 on 1 and continues to build out my program at the gym. What are your hobbies and activities outside the gym? Soccer, and more soccer. I also ski in the winter. How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? It has made me better for sports for overall speed and strength, this translates to my soccer programs. What are your current fitness goals? To get faster on the soccer field. Favorite Quote No quote, but I like movies.
By Mike Collette February 9, 2026
Recovery isn’t new—our focus on it is. Explore a quick timeline from early stress science to burnout research to wearables and recovery studios.
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.
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