The Future is Looking Strong Part 2
May 22, 2025
12 Labours Powerlifting We’re just getting started—and the future is Strong.
The Future of Barbell Club Part 2 - Powerlifting Focus
Written by Carrie Dare
Since launching Barbell Club in Fall 2024 at our Annapolis location, we’ve built something special for our community, and we are proud to say that the powerlifting side is growing stronger every week. As you read in our Future of Barbell Club blog part 1 - our Monday and Wednesday 5:30 PM sessions have become a great learning opportunity for lifters looking to improve their technique, build real strength, and work toward personal goals under the bar.
Wait, this post is about powerlifting, and it occurred to us that you may not know a whole lot about this sp ort or what it is - so let’s start there! Powerlifting is a strength sport focused on the three foundational lifts - back squat, bench press and deadlift. Powerlifting has very specific standards related to each lift, which we will go over later in this post. 12 Labours Barbell is a member of the USAPL federation, a drug-tested powerlifting federation that hosts events at the local, state, regional, national and world level.
Now you know what the sport is, let’s talk a little bit about what is happening in Barbell classes! Currently, much like our Olympic weightlifting program, our powerlifters have spent time on bracing, bar path, depth, setup. During our class sessions we’ve continued to build on the technique and introduced more members to the sport while refining technique under load and building strength in a structured way. The results? Better movement and more consistent training. And now, we're ready to take things further.
What’s Next for Powerlifters in Barbell Club?
As we grow, we’re creating a clearer path for lifters who want to move from recreational training to competitive powerlifting—and we’re building the support structure to help you get there.
Whether your goal is to compete or just get stronger, here’s what you can expect moving forward:
Powerlifting Training Structure
For lifters who are considering training for a local meet and/or simply want to get more focused coaching in the 3 power lifts:
2x/week Barbell Club Classes (Mon & Wed at 5:30 PM)
1 additional Squat/Accessory Day (programmed for independent training)
Focus on technique, strength development, and consistency
Opportunities to compete in 2–3 local USAPL sanctioned meets per year (optional)
For lifters who are considering training for at the national level or want to invest more time and focus to compete at the state and regional levels, we offer the following training plan:
3–4x/week programming, including peaking phases and comp prep
Must be actively working toward a meet and have previously competed in a local event
Coaching support for registering, weighing in, commands, and meet-day strategy
Guidance on entering federations (USAPL) and selecting a weight class
Our Barbell Club is currently very active in the local powerlifting scene with competitors on platforms at 3 upcoming events and many qualifying for regionals in September. Keep an eye on our socials for more information about opportunities to come cheer them on! If you are interested in competing this summer our next open event is July 12th in Gambrills - see Coach Carrie asap for more information.
Do I Have to Compete?
Absolutely not. Competing is an option, but not a requirement. Plenty of our lifters train just to get stronger, feel better, and learn to move with real control. The same attention to detail we give our competitors, we give to anyone walking into Barbell Club.
We coach lifters of all levels, all you need is the willingness to show up, put in the work, and trust the process.
We’re just getting started—and the future is heavy.
MORE RECENT POSTS
Congrats to Nick Hinnerschitz for receiving AOTM at the Columbia District! Nick started CrossFit in September 2024 as a guest of Mark Sam Chee during bring a friend week. He was hooked after the week included rope climbs, snatches and split jerks even though he left with a nasty rope burn and the realization that he had no idea how to perform Olympic lifts correctly. Nick is a regular 6amer and loves strict gymnastics movements, deadlifts and GHD sit ups. When he first started he struggled to kick up to the wall and now can do HSPU! "What I love most about 12L is the people. It’s a very supportive environment where the coaches provide excellent instruction tailored to the needs of the athletes and the friendly competition during WODs brings out the best in people." Nick has seen changes in himself that he never expected and now is in the best shape of his life. He is excited to get stronger and continuously improve - especially on Olympic lifts. Congrats Nick!
Join The Un.Common Method at the 12 Labours Columbia district for a Hormones & Habits workshop, a powerful event built for women who want to feel strong, informed, and in control of their health during midlife. Whether you are navigating perimenopause, are post menopause or just want to learn more about his era of life, this is for you. This isn’t your average wellness workshop. It’s a real-talk panel + experience designed to help you thrive through this next season. Expert Panel diving into: - Hormonal shifts + hormone treatment options - Nutrition that supports hormones + muscle - Stress + sleep strategies that actually work - Movement that matches your phase of life - Q&A with our experts When: Saturday July 19th 10AM-12PM Where: 12 Labours Columbia District Sign up here: https://coach.everfit.io/package/TP017759 Presented by: Megan Knauer Nutrition Coach - PN1, NASM CNC Personal Trainer - NASM CPT Menopause Coach - GGS Colleen Cross Nutrition Coach - PN1 Menopause Coach - GGS Jillian Owens APRN, FNP-C her website is https://infinitewellnessmd.com/
12 Labours CrossFit is hiring an assistant manager with potential to be a full-time position. We are looking for a trainer with experience coaching group classes and personal clients in a 1-1 setting. This position will include coaching classes, meeting with potential new members, personal training and operational duties. Requirements: - Must hold a CrossFit L-1 Certificate - A minimum of 1 year experience coaching group classes - Flexibility during the week and available to work weekends if needed - Team player with an outgoing personality Compensation: - Hourly pay dependent on experience - Potential to be a full-time position Location: 12 Labours CrossFit, Columbia District 9017 Red Branch Rd. Suite A Columbia, MD 21045 To apply please click the link here
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