AOTM - Michaelina Holmes
January 21, 2025
December AOTM: Columbia DIstrict - Michaelina Holmes
Athlete of the Month:
December - Columbia
Member Spotlight: Michaelina Holmes @michaelinaholmes
Michaelina grew up playing sports and always considered fitness to be a part of her identity. When she started college she put sports aside to focus on her education. She would do random free workouts she found on the internet and soon became frustrated with her very slow progress and a fitness routine that felt meaningless.
Michaelina started at 12 Labours in the spring of 2022 with the encouragement of Sean and Betsy Barnes. She was inspired by their progress and decided to give CrossFit a try. Michaelina started in Elements and immediately felt welcome and supported by Coach Emily. Michaelina felt intimated by the laundry list of skills included in CF, but trusted in the process and has slowly chipped away at them. Before starting at 12L Michaelina did not think she would ever have the strength to do a pull up. “Unlocking my pull ups was euphoric, but so was realizing i can finally squat below parallel without struggle.”
Not only has Michaelina improved her fitness, but CrossFit has helped her her to take better care of herself and increase her self-confidence. “Our gym feels like family to me, and I am really grateful to be surrounded by so many positively influential people. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence, and the 12L family has helped me learn to trust myself. I feel constantly reminded that (within reason) anything is achievable with hard work and consistency.” The strength Michaelina has gained in the gym has given her the confidence to overcome any adversity outside the gym.
MORE RECENT POSTS
Congrats to Rishey Macker for receiving August Athlete of the Month! Rishey started at 12 Labours in 2023 after turning 40 and deciding to live a healthier life. Close friends inspired Rishey to try something new. Even after being extremely sore and wanting to quit he stuck with it and began to see results and improve as the months passed. Rishey attends the 6:30pm class and enjoys burpees and shuttle runs. He recently was able to complete a workout with 2 miles of running and his main goal is to be healthy and pain free. In his free time he is a Chief Electrical Engineer, enjoys hiking, sports and spending time with his family and friends "Give it a shot and stick with it, it doesn't matter what your fitness level is. I always thought you already had to be in great shape to even start CrossFit, but that is not the case." Congrats Rishey!
Join us for a special seminar with Tierra Duncan — CF-L3, long-time 12 Labours CrossFit coach, and upcoming author of The Birth Control Illusion: Reclaiming Hormones, Health, and Your Cycle (early 2026). In this 60-minute talk, Tierra will break down how hormones, training stress, and fueling directly impact women’s performance and recovery. You’ll learn: Why your menstrual cycle is a vital performance signal How stress and recovery shape strength and longevity The fueling strategies and key nutrients every female athlete needs What to know about birth control and its impact on training This seminar will help you connect the dots between your hormones and your training so you can make informed choices that support both performance and long-term health. Info: Date: October 25, 2025 Location: 12 Labours CrossFit Columbia Time: 10:30-11:30 Price: $25 / members $35 / non-members To sign up email chelsea@the12labours.com
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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