Building Strength in CrossFit

The 12 Labours Special Olympics program is more than just a CrossFit class. This program provides unique opportunities for individuals with special needs to maintain, gain, and challenge their mental and physical capabilities. Through our targeted skills and programming, we strive to improve and assist in their lifelong battle for increased and long-lasting independence. Over the past 3 years, our program has focused on increasing each athlete's strength, endurance, coordination, cardio, and neuromuscular performance. All of our athletes have made great strides in each area. The coaches and members have celebrated new PRs; ranging from independent sit-ups to lifting very impressive barbell numbers. The Columbia district has recently implemented performance tracking for each athlete's Olympic lifts (Squats, Power Cleans, Snatches, and Deadlifts) and introduced some higher-level skills. The athletes have surpassed our expectations with their abilities in new skills such as wall walks and jumping rope! The past 2 years, the Columbia class members have completed the CrossFit Open workouts as a group in the beginning of the year and have demonstrated an increase in independence and improvement in their skills. They again stepped up to the challenge of and exceeded expectations in the Community Cup. As the athletes continue to demonstrate overall improvement and capability with new skills; we will continue to introduce additional higher-level skills. Several of the athletes have turned their sights to officially competing in the Open workouts as individuals next year. Come check them out on Monday and Wednesday nights at the Columbia District. We look forward to continuing our work with these amazing athletes and are excited for the continued success yet to come! - Elizabeth Gilbert M.S. CCC-SLP, CF-L1, ATA

📍 12 Labours Annapolis | 📅 October 4th | ⏰ 9 AM – 4 PM | 💰 $150 We’re thrilled to welcome Dylan Cooper to 12 Labours Annapolis for our upcoming Dozer Weightlifting Seminar — a full-day clinic dedicated to leveling up your Olympic lifts. Dylan brings over 14 years of experience in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. As a competitive athlete, he represented Team USA, earning two bronze medals at the Junior Pan American Championships and placing 8th at the Junior World Championships. He’s trained under some of the most reputable coaches in the country and even spent time training alongside Olympians. Since retiring from competition, Dylan has shifted his focus to coaching — helping everyday athletes build strength, confidence, and a love for the barbell. He’s coached hundreds of lifters and developed one of the most widely used weightlifting programs in the sport today. What makes Dylan stand out? He has a gift for making Olympic lifting accessible and enjoyable, breaking down complex movements into simple, actionable steps that help lifters of all levels improve. Whether you are brand new to the snatch and clean & jerk or you're looking to refine your technique and hit new PRs, this seminar is for you. Spots are limited — secure yours now and spend a day learning from one of the best in the game. 📲 Click here to sign up