Cheering and dancing is life! They are far more than bouncing up and down waving poms while making the most out of your pipes.
To help you get ready for your next cheer and dance competition, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 tips on being a good athlete.
1. Keep Your Muscles Stretched
With everything to do with cheerleading, working on your flexibility is key. Be sure to keep stretching every day by doing simple exercises like ankle curls, pointing your toes and sitting on the floor with the splits.
This will help you to be at the top of the game to do tumbling passes, fantastic jumps or advanced lifts.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
No one really perfects cheer and dance without practice. It’s the best way to prepare for a great season ahead. Even if you have been in it for a long time, it’s important to look for ways to keep improving your skills. And remember to practice your cheering while doing your routine.
3. Confidence Shows
Being in the cheer and dance squad means having a positive attitude, and also radiating happiness and confidence. You’re there to be the ‘cheer’, so remember to flash that smile even when performances don’t go as planned. When faced with challenges mentally and physically, work as a team to go through it and finish the show.
4. Be Open to Learn
Consider taking lessons from professionals, you’ll learn something new and perfect your cheer body positions and dance moves. Whether you’re new or a veteran, you can definitely learn by simply studying and watching others. Try to emulate them and show fans the new styles in the upcoming season- you’ll see yourself flourish.
5. Prepare for the Big Day
If you’re not accustomed to the public watching you, you should start off by performing in front of friends and family. Cheer and dance are meant to be fun, so if you make a mistake pick up on the next move and finish with a smile.
You may know the routines inside and out, but your body needs to be nutritionally ready as well. Eating a balanced diet can impact how well you practice and perform in the competition. Drinking plenty of water is ideal to stay hydrated.
Always do your best. If you follow these tips, you can be sure to stay on top of the game.