Silver Lions
June 5, 2025
Meet the Silver Lions: Redefining Aging Through Strength, Sweat, and Community
On October 1, 2024, we launched something truly special at 12 Labours Annapolis: the Silver Lions—a fitness program designed specifically for adults aged 55 and up. We kicked things off with a small but mighty crew of six athletes, all in their 60s and 70s. With a rich mix of life experience, personalities, and fitness backgrounds, this group is both inspiring and interesting and brings something special to our gym community.
The Silver Lions program is grounded in CrossFit’s proven methodology and supported by the latest research on aging and physical fitness. Here's what we know:
- Staying active later in life isn't just about fitness - it's about living well. Older adults who train regularly report a higher quality of life, fewer falls, and lower rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer.
- Many effects of aging can actually be reversed with consistent training. That's why we prioritize weightlifting, strength and mobility.
- Research shows elite older athletes outlive their non-athletic peers.
- Injury prevention matters: rotator cuff tears are the most common issues among older athletes, so we're smart and cautious with overhead movements.
- Perhaps most importantly, the social connection is a huge motivator for the community. The friendships built here are just as powerful as the workouts
We started slow and steady. Then week by week, they surprised us. They got stronger, moved faster, and pushed harder. So, we put more weight on the bars, increased the wall ball weight, and added height to the step-ups. They’ve done it all—deadlifts, push-ups, front squats, thrusters, burpees. They even crushed “Silver” Fran (21-15-9 DB thrusters to a box + ring rows), and everyone came in under 7 minutes!
Eight months in, the impact is undeniable:
“We thought we’d have to sell the house because stairs were getting too hard. But now? I can take the steps with ease—we’re staying put.”
“We emptied our parents' house—moved furniture, lifted boxes—and kept saying, ‘Thank God for CrossFit. We’d be dying if we hadn’t started.’”
This crew never backs down from a challenge—and let’s just say, bench press day, things get a little spicy with friendly competition.
They inspire us every single day. They’ve taught us that aging is just another chapter—and with the right mindset and support, you can meet it head-on and come out stronger. The truth is: we never stop becoming a better version of ourselves.
Join us. Be bold. Be strong. Be a Silver Lion.
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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.”
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.
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