When Elijah Hammer and Gabreanna Singer walked into the Maji Rising Health Block Party that took place during the weekend of Oct. 11, they didn’t expect the day to affirm their entire purpose as young parents and entrepreneurs.
“Within the first 10 minutes of being there, we had already connected with so many people and resources,” Hammer recalled. “By the end of the day, it literally felt like we went from just talking about our business with friends and family to seeing the full vision–how many lives we could touch and change in different ways.”
Singer nodded. “It was more than we expected. Anna [the event organizer] told us it was bigger than we thought, and she was right. It was exactly what we were hoping for–community, energy, connection, and real resources.”
Hammer, born in Salem, Oregon, moved to Medical Lake at age four and has called the Spokane area home ever since. A graduate of Ferris High School and Eastern Washington University, he studied athletic training while competing in Division I sports.
“I honestly thought I’d just be an athletic trainer on the sidelines,” he said. “Owning a business wasn’t the plan. But after college, I realized I could use what I learned to help others prevent the injuries I went through. I even learned I’d been walking wrong my whole life until I was eighteen–something so small, but it affected everything from my feet to my shoulders. That kind of knowledge can change lives.”
Singer’s story begins on the Spokane Reservation, where she was born and raised. “Coming from the reservation, there aren’t many opportunities,” she said. “There’s a lot of strength in our people, but also a lot of hardship–poor nutrition, addiction, and so many single moms trying to survive. I wanted to give back to the youth, to the women, to help us be stronger and healthier.”
After earning her degree in Health Psychology and Pre-Occupational Therapy, she realized she wanted to merge her training with independence. “I found out I don’t like being told what to do by other people,” she said, smiling. “When Elijah and I connected, it all came together. Then when I had my daughter, everything changed. I wanted family, work, and community to all be one whole heart. I want to be a face in the community–Native, Black, family-oriented, and free.”
Together, Hammer and Singer founded Forever Zenith Fitness, a mobile personal-training business rooted in holistic wellness. “Zenith means your highest or most powerful point,” Hammer explained. “Our mission is to help people reach that point–physically and mentally.”
Singer added, “We focus on helping people feel strong in every way. It’s not about appearance–it’s about the mental aspect. For some clients, their ‘zenith’ might be finishing Bloomsday with their granddaughter. For others, it’s walking into the gym for the first time in years.”
They train clients at Mindset Fitness in Spokane Valley and travel to schools, workplaces, and homes. “We want to meet people where they are–literally,” Hammer said.
The Maji Rising Health Block Party, held in Spokane earlier this fall, left a deep impression on both trainers.
“When we got there, I told Gabreanna, ‘This is it–this is exactly what outreach should look like,’” Hammer said. “The amount of information and people we met–it was insane. There were resources we didn’t even know existed. By the end of the day, it felt like we were part of something much bigger than ourselves.”
Singer added, “We went in thinking, ‘Let’s network for the business,’ but we got so much more. We learned about programs for families, parenting resources, even the Rise Learning Center. We walked out feeling supported as new parents and as entrepreneurs. It opened our eyes to what’s possible.”
“It wasn’t just about handing out flyers,” she continued. “It was community care in real time–people helping people, sharing what they know, connecting us to others who care. It reminded us why we started Forever Zenith Fitness in the first place.”
When asked what community care means, they didn’t hesitate.
“To me, it’s opening your arms to everyone,” Singer said. “You might not fix everything, but you can give someone something they needed that day–hope, advice, or just a smile.”
Hammer agreed. “Community care goes deeper than general wellness. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s saying, We see you. We know what you need, and we’re here to help. That’s the kind of care that changes lives.”
Forever Zenith Fitness offers personal and group training throughout Spokane.
Follow them on Instagram @foreverzenithfitness or contact foreverzenithfitness@gmail.com.