Nolan Pedrick of Upper Hanover Township became a dedicated CrossFit trainee 18 months ago. Initially, the goal was to help him succeed in other athletic venues.

        Soon, Pedrick said his determination to compete in CrossFit competitions exceeded his desire to play baseball and football, wrestle or swim.

        Later this month, Pedrick, 14, an eighth grader at The Perkiomen School, will compete in the Wodapalooza Fitness Festival, "an annual four-day festival that brings the world of fitness and the love of life to South Florida," according to the organization's website.

        From Jan. 12-15 on the beach in Miami, Pedrick will compete against 15 other international competitors in his age group. Josh Pedrick – Nolan's father and an owner of Bux-Mont CrossFit, located at 80 Gravel Pike in Red Hill – called them the top performers in the world.

        According to Josh Pedrick, the events – some of which are timed and include thrusters, pullups, rope climbing, 50 double-under jump ropes and a 50-foot handstand walk – test each competitor's overall fitness.

        "This competition creates the total athlete," Josh Pedrick said. "You can't just be fast or strong. You've got to be well rounded."

        Josh Pedrick says he thinks his son has the discipline and mindset to excel at the sport.

        "Nolan loves the whole aspect of competition," Josh Pedrick said. "He's very driven for such a young age."

        Nolan said he got interested in the program watching his father train.

        "My dad is a big part of my life," he said. "I could see him getting in shape. I figured out that I have a competitive mindset, and that I was willing to work for the same goal."

        Now Nolan trains six days a week and before and after school, focusing on building core strength and conditioning to improve performance, fitness and endurance.

        According to Josh Pedrick, Nolan's training utilizes a variety of functional movements, such as those used in swimming, biking, running, weightlifting and gymnastics.

        The Cross-Fit program utilizes barbells, dumb bells, kettle bells and varying body weight movements, including pullups, pushups and box jumps, to build up core strength and improve overall fitness.

        Nolan says his training has made him a better football and baseball player. He claims that the workouts have also allowed him to run a mile in six minutes, deadlift 305 pounds, complete more than 200 consecutive pushups and walk 100 yards on his hands.

        "I'm in pretty good shape," Nolan said. "I have built muscles I didn't know I had. It has allowed me to do things no one knows they can do."

        Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Bux-Mont CrossFit will host an event to help fund Nolan Pedrick's trip to Miami. The cost is $10 per person. For more information call 267-377-0127.