New Cycle: Build the Base

Luke Espe • June 16, 2021
A woman is lifting a barbell in a gym with the words build the base below her

Now that our strength cycle has finished the 12 Labours Community will be moving towards building our aerobic base and applying it to CrossFit workouts. There will still be some strength work integrated so we don’t lose our gainz. This should be a fun and challenging cycle for everyone!

Take a look below at our 5 categories of Fitness that will be incorporated during the week. We will incorporate alternating every other week to accommodate the 12 Labours Community.


5 Categories of Fitness

Tempo Front Squats or Overhead Squats

We will be introducing a new strength training principle in the form of tempo. Tempo work is a great way to get stronger, break through plateaus, and focus on mechanics.  

Concept 2 Machine Intervals: We will also be doing interval work on your choice of rower or ski erg. Our focus will be on improving our aerobic power and learning how to pace effectively for CrossFit workouts


Classic CrossFit Workout

Couplets, triplets, and chippers which are the cornerstone of CrossFit. Look for a wide variety of elements to be included on these days. 


Grunt Work:

These days will be used to build full body strength with odd objects.  We will be utilizing DBalls, kettlebells, prowlers and other equipment. You can expect these workouts to be longer and very challenging. 


Gymnastics Progressions & Accessories

We will continue to work on strength and skills in our gymnastics movements. These will be combined with other accessory work to keep joints healthy and support our other high skill movements. 

12 Labours Testers   

Its summer which means it’s time to bring back the 12 Labours Testers for the 3rd year. You will be able to compare your scores to the previous years as well as see how you stack up on the leaderboard across both districts. 


A Weeks

Monday

Tempo Front Squats or Overhead Squats

Concept 2 Machine Intervals

Tuesday

Classic CrossFit workout

Wednesday

Grunt work

Thursday

Gymnastics Progressions & Accessories

Friday

12 Labours Testers

Saturday 

Partner workouts

Sunday

Get outside and be rad!

B Weeks

Monday

Classic CrossFit workout

Tuesday

Tempo Front Squats or Overhead Squats

Concept 2 Machine Intervals

Wednesday

Gymnastics Progressions & Accessories

Thursday

Grunt work

Friday

12 Labours Testers

Saturday 

Partner workouts

Sunday

Get outside and be rad!


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By Chelsea Espe September 5, 2025
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
By Mel McCamley August 28, 2025
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.
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