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.
MORE RECENT POSTS
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.
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.
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