AOTM - John Putschi
Mel McCamley • August 28, 2025
We’re excited to celebrate John Putshi as 12 Labours’ Athlete of the Month!
When John joined in the fall of 2024, his goal was simple: get back in shape and stay consistent. Like many of us, he struggled with finding a routine that stuck—until his coworker, Len, introduced him to 12 Labours.
At first, it wasn’t easy. John remembers being so sore he could barely get up the stairs. But with consistency, support, and dedication, things started to click. Now, he’s a regular at the 9AM classes Monday–Friday, and he’s tackling movements he never thought possible.
His favorites? Snatches and clean & jerks.
His biggest recent accomplishment? Rope climbs!
John’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. In just six months, he has already lost 70 pounds, with a larger goal of losing 120 pounds total. Along the way, he’s setting new challenges—like learning handstand walks.
“I love the positive atmosphere. There is support, motivation, and encouragement from both coaches and fellow athletes,” John says.
Outside the gym, John is happiest by the water—whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, diving, or just relaxing at the beach.
When asked for advice for someone thinking about trying CrossFit, he keeps it simple:
“Try it for a month and see how you feel. The pressure of coming up with a daily workout is lifted, and the coaches will work with you based on where you’re at in your fitness journey.”
John’s success is a reminder of what’s possible with consistency, courage, and community. We are proud to have him as part of the 12 Labours family.
Congratulations, John! Keep climbing, lifting, and inspiring.
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Move, Sweat, and Give Back: Pinked Perspective Workout at 12 Labours Annapolis On Saturday, October 18, 12 Labours Annapolis District is proud to host a special Pinked Perspective workout to support women facing breast cancer. We’re opening our doors to the community with free classes at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM — everyone is welcome! This event is more than just a workout. It’s a chance to move, sweat, and give back to a cause that touches so many lives. Participants are encouraged to join us in collecting monetary donations and Breast Cancer Kit supplies via our Amazon Wish List (click here) , helping Pinked Perspective, Inc. provide care and comfort to those who need it most. About Pinked Perspective, Inc. Pinked Perspective, Inc. is an Anne Arundel County-based non-profit, founded in 2011 by a young mom and breast cancer survivor. The organization supports those facing breast cancer through cancer care kits, workshops, and mentoring, offering practical help and emotional encouragement during a challenging time. At 12 Labours, we believe in the power of community — and this event is a perfect example. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just looking for a fun, meaningful way to start your day, this workout gives you the chance to make a difference while moving your body. Event Details: When: Friday, October 18 Times: 7:00 AM & 8:00 AM Where: 12 Labours Annapolis District Cost: Free for all participants Sign Up: Click HERE Join us in supporting Pinked Perspective, connecting with your community, and celebrating strength — both in the gym and in life. 💖
🏒 7th Annual Slapshot Regatta – November 8th | Columbia District Get ready for one of the most exciting traditions of the year — the Slapshot Regatta is back! On November 8th, the Columbia District will host our 7th annual showdown, where each district will battle it out for the right to claim the Golden Lion. ⚙️ What is the Slapshot Regatta? This isn’t your average rowing event. Each district lines up 10 rowers to rack up as many meters as possible in 60 minutes. But every 5 minutes, the action heats up — 5 athletes from each gym step off the rower to take their shot on goal. The team with the most successful slapshots earns a major advantage — an extra rower for the next 5-minute period to boost their district’s total meters. Strategy, endurance, and teamwork all collide in this fast-paced, high-energy competition. When the hour ends, the district with the most total meters wins the honor of housing the Golden Lion statue for the next year. 📅 Event Details Date: Saturday, November 8th Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: 12 Labours Columbia – 9017 Red Branch Rd, Suite A How to Join: Reserve your spot in Wodify 🍂 After-Event Fun: Fall Food Cook-Off We’re keeping the competition (and the good vibes) rolling after the regatta with a Fall Food Cook-Off! Bring your favorite seasonal dish — from hearty chili to spiced pumpkin pie — and compete for bragging rights. 🏆 The top 3 dishes, as voted by the districts, will win prizes! 🦁 Golden Lion Champions 2024: Annapolis District – 149,774 meters 2023: Columbia District – 158,165 meters 2022: Annapolis District – 150,006 meters 2021: Columbia District – 139,522 meters 2020: Annapolis District – 126,476 meters 2019: Annapolis District – 133,661 meters Who will take home the Golden Lion this year? We’ll find out November 8th. Bring your grit, your shot, and your best fall recipe — and let’s make this the best Slapshot Regatta yet.
With every event we get stronger — physically and mentally. Our experiences and lessons learned shape all facets of our team, training, and coaching. This weekend’s regional event did not disappoint. As a coach, I learned how to be a better advocate for our athletes. As a team, we learned that big meets (500 lifters!) bring a whole new level of energy and challenges we hadn’t quite experienced before. The team also showed up on the platform and put PRs and strong totals on the board. Mallory faced a potentially derailing miss on her bench, but she fought back and nailed her third (a fourth attempt), finally hitting the long-chased platform PR — 67.5kg, a 5kg PR! Squat: 105kg / 232lb Bench: 67.5kg / 149lb Deadlift: 125kg / 276lb Total: 297.5kg Alanna started her day with a PR squat opener and never looked back, capping it off with a monstrous 140kg deadlift — a 7.5kg PR! Squat: 110kg / 243lb Bench: 70kg / 154lb Deadlift: 140kg / 309lb Total: 320kg — Qualifying her for 2026 Nationals and taking 1st in her division. Lulu had a fantastic day on her comeback, building back to pre-op numbers and pulling an impressive 370kg total. Squat: 132.5kg / 292lb Bench: 67.5kg / 149lb Deadlift: 170kg / 375lb Total: 370kg — Qualifying her for 2026 Nationals and earning 1st in her division. Way to go team! Now it’s time for some well-earned rest before Women of Power in November and everything 2026 has in store for us.
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