Prototype of the Month: Russell Schwartz

Mike Collette • March 29, 2023
A prototype of the month certificate for russell schwartz

The criteria and standards that we look for when our team puts in their nominations for  Prototype of the month are Coachability, Caring, and Community and in our opinion, Russ encompasses all three of those qualities handily. Congratulations Russ!

1.) Share your experience at Prototype: 

     I initially got involved with prototype in 2012/2013 when Mike and Brian asked me to teach an introductory boxing class. Once I got the taste of what Prototype had to offer, I became a member.  

The trainers and members of prototype are a unique group. There is a community feel and sincere, inclusive vibe and environment that makes it easy and fun to show up day after day. 

It has been enjoyable for me to see the evolution and growth of the coaches and members over the last 10 years. Those who started with me in the early days who were very young, have grown, evolved, matured, and have started families of their own. 

2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? 

I have experienced many CrossFit gyms over the years. Each box has its own individual personality. What is most enjoyable for me at Prototype, is to come to a box that is clean, well-run, reasonably competitive, and friendly.  For those of you who have visited other boxes, these characteristics are not a given.  

Everything at prototype is geared toward meeting reasonable and safe expectations of the coaches and members.  

3.) What are your hobbies and activities? 

I enjoy boating, water skiing and playing drums. 

Rhonda and I enjoy traveling. 

4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? 

Over the years, I had several back surgeries. I was scheduled for my 4 th surgery after 2 failed disc surgeries in 2018 when Mike put a team together including a physical therapist, chiropractor and Mike as trainer, to attempt to partially resolve my back trouble short of surgery.  Mike did the research and came up with a plan.   He executed the plan and worked with me and the team for 6 months. At the conclusion, Mike was able to create enough stability in my core, to completely eliminate my sciatic back pain and the need for the 4 th surgery.  When I called to cancel the surgery, my doctor was speechless. 

5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? 

Each year around my birthday, I pick a CrossFit movement goal to achieve. First it was handstand holds.  Another year it was handstand push-ups.   My last birthday goal was to learn short distance handstand walks.  

In May I will turn 60.  This year’s birthday goal is to learn how to string butterfly pullups and maybe execute 1 ring muscle up … Time will tell.    

6.) Favorite Quote 

“Walking in the door to a CrossFit box is the hardest part.”

-The Prototype Team



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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