Building Strength in CrossFit

Luke Espe • March 28, 2021
A woman wearing a mask is lifting a barbell in a gym.

A New Cycle Begins

As the Open comes to a close, the 12 Labours Community we will be shifting into a new strength cycle that will start Monday, April 5th. We will focus on strength development and olympic lifting complexes. Take a look at the structure below and let’s look to get stronger together!

Monday

Back Squat & Push Press

We will be completing both movements each day.

Sport will be following a program that is percentage based.

Fitness will be following a program that is based off of feel and previous working weights.

A man is squatting with a barbell over his head in a gym.

Tuesday

Classic CrossFit Workouts

Couplets, triplets, and chippers which are the cornerstone of CrossFit.

Look for a wide variety of elements to be included on these days. 

A man is lifting a dumbbell over his head in a gym while a woman watches.

Wednesday

Clean and Snatch Complexes

These days will be used to build strength and confidence in the olympic lifts. 

Expect to be holding onto the bar for multiple reps for each set.

As always technique will be prioritized but continue to push the boundaries of your capabilities. 

Thursday

Drills, Skills, Structural Strength, Cardio

This will be our low key day of the week which will include structural work such as strict pull-ups, Turkish getups, or ring rows. It will also include cardio on one or more machines.

This will be a great opportunity for a flow day so you can go hard for the rest of the week. 

A man is doing a pull up on a bar in a gym.

Friday

Classic CrossFit Workouts

Couplets, triplets, and chippers which are the cornerstone of CrossFit.

Look for a wide variety of elements to be included on these days.

These workouts will also be on the harder side to end the week with a tough session. 

Saturday 

Partner workouts

A man wearing a mask is squatting on a box in a gym.

Sunday

Get outside and be rad!

9:30AM Yoga at both districts

MORE RECENT POSTS

By Chelsea Espe November 2, 2025
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
By Mel McCamley October 29, 2025
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.”
By Mel McCamley October 13, 2025
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