The Future is Looking Strong
April 22, 2025
THe Future of barbell club
As many of our Annapolis members know, in Fall 2024, 12 Labours started an official Barbell Club class on Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 pm in Annapolis. During our first 12 week cycle, the focus was on building awareness and stability in the proper positions necessary for the snatch and clean and jerk (olympic weightlifting), as well as the back squat, bench and deadlift (powerlifting). Our members who have attended have experienced immense success in their lifts, both in improving form, as well as improving strength. The second cycle which started in January 2025 has been focused on first continuing to build technical proficiency, followed by improving strength with technical proficiency, and finally working towards some of our olympic lifting member’s first competition at the Cap City Open on April 27.
As we look to the future with Barbell Club, we are hoping to not only invite more members into our lifting sessions to continue building technical proficiency in the lifts but also enhance the process of working towards competition for members who would like this opportunity. Barbell club programming for the Olympic Weightlifting side will involve two tracks, a locally competitive track, and a nationally competitive track.
For anyone new to the sport of Olympic weightlifting (snatch, clean and jerk), local competitions can be entered by any athlete who fulfills the requirements of that specific meet (USAW sanctioned meets require a USAW membership). Athletes are designated to the weight class of their choosing (we typically guide towards competing at a weight class that your body is naturally comfortable at) and can be Junior (under 18 years old), Senior (over 18 years old), and Masters (35 years old and over) age groups. National and International meets can only be entered by athletes who have posted a qualifying total at a local meet, or more competitive meet depending on what the athlete is hoping to register for. A qualifying total is the total kilograms that the athlete must lift, at a minimum, to be able to register for that meet.
For a 12 Labours member who would like to compete locally, the Barbell programming will include:
2x/week Barbell Programming (M/W 5:30 pm class) + Squat/Accessory Day (to be performed independently)
We strongly suggest attending as many in - person barbell classes as possible if you plan on competing to maximize success and comfort when stepping onto the platforms in competition.
There will be 2-3 opportunities for local competition each competitive year.
For a 12 Labours member who would like to compete nationally, there are a few other requirements to be fulfilled:
Athletes must have competed at a local level and have a qualifying total to register for this next level of competition.
3-4x/week Barbell Programming - This will be an expanded version of the Barbell class programming to work towards the level of commitment necessary to compete at this level.
There will be 2-3 opportunities for national/international competition each year.
We are excited to open up more opportunities for our 12 Labours members to get stronger and perform better both within and outside of the gym. Please do not forget that Barbell classes are open for all 12 Labours members, and you DO NOT have to compete to attend. We are happy to coach anyone who wants to learn more about the lifts, improve technique and get stronger!
We will be starting a new cycle on April 28, which will also help us work towards our next local meet, Tough Temple, held in Rockville, MD on July 12-13, 2025.
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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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