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In 2010, shortly after moving to Annapolis, I read an article in a local paper about a new workout concept called “CrossFit”. I joined the local facility and haven’t looked back since! My initial goal was to improve strength and cardio fitness to support my real interests - running and playing golf. While that is still the case, along the way I discovered that I really like lifting weights. One great satisfaction for me is being able to track progress - both in the amount of weight I can lift correctly but also being able to complete more complex movements like TGUs and squat complexes, which were completely unfamiliar to me pre-CrossFit. Caveat - I have not yet been able to do some CrossFit standards such as a handstand pushup or a decent burpee, that’s on me not the coaching staff. There is still time! Part of the CrossFit appeal is the structure of the workouts but another equally important part is the community of CrossFit. Both the fabulous people I work out with at the 6:30AM classes - as well as the attentive and patient coaches (who all can come up with a million scaled versions of a movement before letting you quit!) keep me wanting to come to class. Anyone who thinks they know what CrossFit is like and have not attended a class are missing a tremendous opportunity to become part of an accessible fitness program in a nurturing environment. Come out and see what you are missing - you have nothing to lose and much to gain.

We are excited to celebrate Brie Binder as our Athlete of the Month! Brie’s CrossFit journey began back in 2007 in California. After moving to the East Coast, she trained at CrossFit DC, just a short distance from 12 Labours. When her family eventually settled in the area, joining 12 Labours was an easy decision after hearing great things through the MACC community. You will most often find Brie in the 9:30am or 3:30pm classes. She loves Olympic lifting, especially snatching, and is a fan of bar muscle ups. Right now, she is working toward ring muscle ups and continuing her return to training after welcoming her son in June, an inspiring example of consistency and resilience. When asked what she loves most about 12 Labours, Brie shared: “The coaches, the programming and the community. I've been at a lot of different CF gyms and this is by far the best one. The level of coaching and in-house programming is rare, and the community is positive and supportive.” Outside the gym, Brie is a constitutional law attorney. She enjoys spending time with her family and getting outdoors whenever she can. Brie, your dedication, positivity, and commitment to both your fitness and your family inspire our entire community. Congratulations on being our November Athlete of the Month

At 12 Labours, strength is for everyone. It is not reserved for advanced athletes or those with years under the bar. Strength is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and built at any stage. While our facility supports many styles of training, the powerlifting program exists to give members a clear, structured path to getting stronger. You do not need prior experience. You do not need to know the lifts. You only need a willingness to learn and show up consistently. A new training cycle begins this Tuesday, January 6th, making it an ideal time to start. Powerlifting is a strength sport built around three barbell movements. Each lift is taught from the ground up, with an emphasis on safe positions, clear standards, and steady progress. The Big Three lifts are: The Squat, which develops lower body strength and full-body stability. The Bench Press, the primary upper body pressing movement. The Deadlift, a foundational test of total-body strength. Every lifter begins somewhere. Our coaching approach meets you at your current level and progresses at a pace that makes sense for you. Loads are personalized, technique is prioritized, and progress is measured over time. Whether this is your first time touching a barbell or you are returning after time away, you belong on the platform. Although the work under the bar is individual, the environment is collective. Training alongside others builds accountability, confidence, and consistency. Members support one another through spots, feedback, and shared effort. No one trains alone here. Powerlifting rewards consistency and patience. Structured training and clear goals create momentum, whether that goal is learning proper technique, building confidence, or adding weight to the bar. The process is the same for everyone: show up, train with intention, and improve steadily. Yes, this is for you. Experience is not required. Competition is never mandatory, but it is available to anyone who wants a tangible goal. This cycle will build toward Maryland States, a local meet open to all, taking place March 21 to 22, 2026. Competing is about participation, preparation, and shared experience, not winning. Our next training cycle begins Tuesday, January 6th, giving you plenty of time to learn the lifts, build strength, and feel prepared. Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 PM 12 Labours Annapolis See you in the gym.

We are proud to welcome Chris Woods as our new Coach and Columbia District Manager. Many members may already recognize Chris through his wife, Maili Woods, who has long been a part of 12 Labours media and event coverage. Chris and Luke both began their journeys at CrossFit BWI, and since 2012 Chris has played a major role in the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit community—competing as an athlete, judging at every MACC event, and supporting our community alongside Maili, who has photographed nearly every major 12 Labours event, including our grand opening in 2012. Chris brings nearly 20 years of professional fitness experience, including competing at the 2008 CrossFit Games. Known for his love of heavy lifts and fast workouts, he has a particular passion for coaching the snatch. His expertise, energy, and leadership will continue to strengthen the world-class environment we strive to build at 12 Labours. The Woods family has deep roots in this community, and we are excited to see their daughter, Margo, grow up in the same gym that has been part of their story for over a decade. Please join us in giving Chris a warm welcome to his new role. We’re excited for the next chapter of growth, community, and performance that he will help lead. Instagram: @thestrengthdude

After years of a mostly sedentary job and feeling stuck in a fitness rut, John knew it was time to make a change. Looking for a way to get active again, he turned to CrossFit — inspired by his brother’s positive experience — and discovered 12 Labours CrossFit in Annapolis. Starting in June 2025, the first few workouts were challenging, but Coach Mel guided John through the Foundations program, building confidence and showing that the workouts were achievable. With the coaches’ support and guidance on modifications, John transitioned into group classes and steadily improved both technique and strength. Now a regular at the 6:30 am class, John has found a routine that works and enjoys the journey. His favorite lift is the bench press, and his main goal is simple but important — to stay healthy, avoid injury, and feel great after every workout. When asked what makes 12 Labours special, John doesn’t hesitate: “The awesome coaches.”

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.

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!

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.

We’ve got two great ways for you to share the 12 Labours experience this September! 1. Bring a Friend Week – September 1–6 From September 1–6, bring a friend, family member, or co-worker to any of our classes — totally free** We all know the benefits of being part of 12 Labours: getting stronger, moving better, learning new skills, and being part of an amazing community. This week, you get to share that with the people you care about. How it works: Arrive 10 minutes before class with your guest. Have them scan the QR code at the gym to fill out the waiver and use promo code ANNAPOLIS or COLUMBIA (depending on location). Introduce them to the coach. Work out together and have fun! 2. 12 Labours Referral Program – Relaunch Bring a Friend Week will kick off our 12L Referral Program, which rewards you when someone you refer signs up for a new Unlimited Membership. Here ’s the deal: Invite a friend to join 12 Labours. When they sign up for a new Unlimited membership, you get 50% off your next month’s membership. There’s no limit — refer as many friends as you want and keep earning those discounts. It’s a win-win: your friends get fitter, and you save money while training together. Mark your calendar for September 1–6 and start inviting your crew. Let’s pack the gym with new faces, high energy, and big PRs! ** Please note: the 6:30 pm class in Columbia is excluded from Bring a Friend Week.