CrossFit Memphis

Michael “Matraca”  Bledsoe, BS, NSCA-CPT, CrossFit, USAW

I have had a very diverse training background ranging from long distance running and swimming to Olympic style Weightlifting. I began training with weights, running and swimming at the age of 15 with all my knowledge coming from magazines like “Muscle & Fiction.” That’s how I trained up until I joined the Navy in 2001. During my 4 year enlistment I was involved in some very rigorous training. My endurance was great and I thought I had reached the pinnacle of fitness at that point.

After my enlistment in the Navy I began attending the University of Memphis. I studied Exercise and Sport Science. It was then that I was introduced to Olympic weightlifting and competed. I progressed well and was an eager student to the sport. My strength and speed increased tremendously but my endurance had taken a big hit.

Nothing gave me the overall fitness that I always wished to achieve. Once I was introduced to CrossFit it was a realization that has led to almost two years of training in a program that has changed my life. I found CrossFit as a 25 year old, but wish it had been sooner.  Our mission at Crossfit Memphis is to give every athlete, regardless of age, ability or gender, the most potent, broad and useful fitness they can achieve.  We also excel in sport specific training for fighters, weightlifters and many other sports bringing the different training aspects of certain sports to the Crossfit arena, introducing fresh and functional fitness.