Michael Hill, the general manager and head coach at High Point Climbing and Fitness, is still chasing movement the same way he did as a kid growing up in West Tennessee. Whether it’s climbing, lifting weights, running ultramarathons, or circling entire cities on foot, fitness has never been about standing still.

Originally from Michigan but raised in Union City and Martin, Tennessee, he spent his younger years immersed in sports. He played four sports in high school, two in college, and even played arena football with the Memphis Xplorers in 2003. When his football career ended, Michael quickly found a new challenge to take its place. “I’ve always enjoyed being active,” he said. “As soon as I stepped away from football, I fell into outdoor rock climbing,” he says.

What started as a chance encounter with some climbers during a backpacking trip in Southern Illinois turned into a two-decade passion. For more than 12 years, he climbed almost exclusively outdoors, eventually competing and working with sponsored climbing companies before indoor climbing gyms began booming across the country. Today, he helps lead one of Memphis’ growing climbing communities at High Point Climbing and Fitness, where he’s been involved since returning to the city three years ago after living in both New York City and Shanghai, China.

Michael’s path to ultrarunning came to him in an equally organic way. Running had always been part of his life, dating back to middle school, when he would run for miles to clear his mind. Later, while living in Shanghai and teaching at a university while studying Mandarin, a friend convinced him to sign up for the 2009 Shanghai Marathon, and he was instantly hooked.

A few years later, he transitioned into trail running and ultras, eventually earning a free entry into the grueling Pinhoti 100- mile race. Somewhere along the way, long-distance running became less about competition and more about curiosity. That curiosity led him to a challenge that recently caught attention online: running around the perimeter of Memphis.

“I’ve done it in a lot of places I’ve lived,” he said. “I ran around Manhattan when I lived in New York.” Now on a streak of more than 500 consecutive days running, he averages well over 1,200 miles per year. He hopes to surpass 2,000 miles this year, enough to continue working toward his personal “circumference of the Earth” mileage goal. “I used to train more intensely in seasons,” he said. “Now it’s more about longevity and fun.”

These days, his routine includes daily running, climbing a couple of times a week, and strength training three to four days per week. But one of his biggest passions is helping others discover movement for themselves. He believes climbing, especially, offers something unique. “You’re solving puzzles with your body,” he said. “It engages both the mind and body.”

At High Point, he’s seen climbing help everyone from kids and beginners to adults navigating Parkinson’s disease. He’s also passionate about teaching his two daughters that strength isn’t just physical; it’s mental, emotional, and something they can carry into every part of life.

To start climbing or to learn more about High Point, visit Highpointclimbing.com.