Strength in Community: How Zehbras Fitness is Transforming Lives in Baltimore
When Dr. Jeanelle Spencer first discovered CrossFit in 2016 and she immediately recognized its power. She saw that is was a great way to workout but it was also way to build community and confidence. As a Johns Hopkins PhD graduate and medical communications professional, Jeanelle saw the glaring lack of Black-owned, Black-majority CrossFit gyms in Baltimore, particularly in the historically underserved “Black Butterfly” neighborhoods.
“I wanted to create a space where everyone — Black, white, queer, new to fitness — could feel seen, supported, and challenged,” Jeanelle said.
In 2020, she began the journey of opening her own gym. After hosting outdoor workouts in 2023, Zehbras Fitness Club officially opened its doors in 2024 on Greenmount Avenue — bringing a high-quality fitness experience to a community that had long been overlooked by the wellness industry.
However, opening a gym is no small feat. Outfitting Zehbras with the type of professional equipment Jeanelle envisioned required a significant investment. That’s where Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) stepped in.
With a loan facilitated by BCL, Zehbras was able to purchase brand-new Rogue Fitness equipment — the gold standard for CrossFit gyms nationwide. The result? A “brand spanking new gym” experience that surprised even local media personalities who visited the space.
Today, Zehbras is far more than a gym. It’s a hub for transformation. Members, many of whom had never lifted a barbell before, are discovering their own strength for the first time. They’re building friendships, finding confidence, and improving their quality of life in ways that go far beyond the physical.
Jeanelle isn’t stopping there. Her vision is to grow Zehbras’ membership at its current location and eventually expand to other Baltimore neighborhoods, maintaining the same small, community-centered model that makes Zehbras unique.
“We’re not just teaching people how to lift weights,” Jeanelle explained. “We’re creating a space where people feel empowered — and that’s changing lives.”
By supporting entrepreneurs like Jeanelle, BCL is fueling businesses that are helping to create healthier, stronger, and more connected communities across Baltimore.
Check them out here: ZEHBRAS Fitness Club | Black-owned CrossFit | Baltimore (8) Instagram zehbrasfitness | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree
