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.
MORE RECENT POSTS
We’re kicking off the new year with one of our favorite annual traditions: the Resolution Games, taking place on Saturday, January 31 at the Annapolis District. This in-house pairs competition features approachable divisions for every 12 Labours athlete and gives our entire community a chance to come together and test their fitness in a supportive environment. Event Details Location: 12 Labours Annapolis District Date: Saturday, January 31 Format: In-house pairs competition Divisions:: Sport, Fitness & Wellness Registration: Live now on Competition Corner Closes: January 3 at 11:59PM ET Cost: $120 per pair NEW THIS YEAR — Allied Teams Columbia’s Special Olympics group is excited to announce the addition of Allied Teams to this year’s event. These same-sex teams will pair one Special Olympics athlete with one 12 Labours member, completing the “Wellness” workouts side-by-side. We’re proud to bring this inclusive, community-driven addition to the 2025 Games. Email edgilbe@carrollk12.org The Resolution Games are all about connection, celebration, and testing your fitness in a fun, supportive environment. Whether it’s your first competition or your fifteenth, this event brings the entire community together to start the year with purpose and momentum Kick off your year with purpose, connection, and a great day of fitness. Grab your partner and secure your spot today!
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.”
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