Introducing The Prototype Challenge Coin

Mike Collette • August 29, 2023
A logo for prototype training systems says grow yourself grow your people
We pride ourselves on being more than just a gym at Prototype Training Systems… as you know we are a coaching community and relationship business above all.
In the spirit of strengthening the bond we share and recognizing the incredible dedication, effort, and camaraderie displayed by our members, we are launching the first edition Prototype Challenge Coin.
My inspiration stems from the revered tradition of military challenge coins. These coins, steeped in honor and history, are given to soldiers to represent comradeship, prove membership in an elite group, and honor extraordinary actions. They are tokens of unity, belonging, and recognition.

I have been fortunate to receive one of these coins from a former 4-star Admiral in the US Navy. I didn’t know it at the time, but he hasn’t given many of these out. They are custom with his credentials and name on it and it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever been given… and this is a guy who The Pope went to visit him… pretty freaking cool! You can read more about the military’s challenge coins here. 

With that said, both the military and our Challenge Coin is not merely a decorative token. They have to be earned. When you receive one, know that it stands for:

Community: Celebrating the bond we share as members of Prototype Training Systems.

Achievement: Recognizing the milestones you’ve crossed in your fitness journey, be it in skill, dedication, or resilience.
Stewardship: Saluting the spirit of helping, motivating, and uplifting fellow gym members.
Membership: Symbolizing that you’re not just a member, but an integral part of the Prototype community.

So how do you earn this coin?

The coins ARE NOT FOR SALE, and they cannot be claimed but must be earned. Coaches AND long-standing members may be awarded them AND nominated to receive one by peers who they feel have gone above and beyond, either in their training journey or in their contributions to the community.

The Coins are a testament to what we stand for – stewardship, growing ourselves, helping others grow, perseverance, and community. If you receive one of these, our hope is that you recognize you did something pretty special to have earned one.

If you’re a member at Prototype and someone from our community comes to mind let me know.  Not every recommendation will qualify but share with me first and your reasoning.
We have a total of 100 of these that will be given out until they are gone. They won’t last forever, and not everyone will earn one, but everyone has an equal opportunity to receive one.

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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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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
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