Programming Outlook - CrossFit Open Prep

Luke Espe • January 26, 2022
A woman is lifting a barbell in a gym.

Where are we headed next coach?

A key focus for the next 6-8 weeks will be focused around preparing for the CrossFit Open. It is a three week competition that brings the entire CrossFit Community together from all over the world. As the largest participatory sporting event, we embark on this movement together at 12 Labours CrossFit. More information to come regarding the CrossFit Open.

There will be more emphasis placed on refining skills and building confidence in workouts that test your work capacity. The following themes will be incorporated in your programming outlook at 12 Labours CrossFit. Let the training begin!

Open Prep  

These workouts will be the cornerstone of our weeks. Each workout will be some combination of movements that will be likely to show up in the Open. We will even retest old workouts that have come up in the past. This will provide you with an opportunity to test out strategies and game plans for the upcoming Open workouts.

Strength & Metcon

Strength piece with a structured time frame followed by a short metcon; 6-10 minutes based on the strength movement. This will be a great day to include shorter classic CrossFit benchmark workouts after some strength work.

EMOM - Flow Work

Longer EMOM's or AMRAP's that focus on joint health and stability (shoulder, hips, knees). This is the opportunity for athletes to slow down and flow during the week so they have the ability to attend class all week. There will still be opportunities for athletes to still push the intensity in this format if desired. It will be important to watch the coaching instruction video to understand the focus of each day as it will change based on the rest of the week.

Engine & Bodyweight

Longer (20+ minute) workouts to start building engine capacity. These days will be low skill and include machines, bodyweight movement, kettlebells, and dumbbells. 

Skill Progression

Higher skill days where the focus is on accumulating repetition of new skills or improving skills they already have. These skills can include gymnastics, double unders, barbell work, etc. This is another day where it will be important to watch the coaching instruction video in order to explain the emphasis of the workout. 

MORE RECENT POSTS

Un.Common Method at 12 Labours Columbia

By Chelsea Espe • July 2, 2025
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/

Columbia Is Hiring

By Chelsea Espe • June 25, 2025
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

More Than a Workout: Coaching CrossFit for Special Olympics

June 20, 2025
About three years ago, a group of about 8 athletes kicked off the Annapolis Special Olympics small group CrossFit program. Within the first year, the program quickly gained momentum, expanding to include a second class of new athletes eager to join in. Since then, the small group training program has grown into something much more — a bond forged through movement, sweat, and shared triumphs. Thanks to the support of volunteer coaches and a belief in what’s possible, this program continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift everyone involved. It’s a class full of laughter, determination, and milestones that often go far beyond the physical. These athletes show up with heart and teach all of us — coaches, gym members, and each other — what it means to enjoy exercise and celebrate every small win. It’s impossible to leave without a smile. As a coach, the rewards are profound. Volunteering for this program isn’t just about teaching movements and foundations. It’s about showing up, being present, and believing in someone else’s potential — sometimes before they believe in it themselves. You get to witness growth not just in athletic ability, but in self-esteem, independence, and social connection. It’s a reminder of why we all fell in love with fitness in the first place: because it empowers. This program is a space where ability is redefined, where effort is everything, and where community truly shines. If you’re looking for purpose, or just someone who wants to be part of something bigger — this is it. The athletes will change your life, just by being exactly who they are. Shelby A. Bentley, M.S. CCC-SLP
More Posts

you can ACHIEVE your goals with us

CrossFit is meant for all levels of fitness, and our universally scalable model is built for you.