How to Be a Cheerleader

High-school cheerleading is often associated with a pretty bunch of girls who always get the guys, are extremely flexible, are the eye-candy for sporting events and wear the best clothes. Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a cheerleader? Most probably you do. All you need is a little bit of confidence, stamina and vigor. Plus, you have to remember that, it takes a lot more than just a mini-skirt, a pretty face and a never-say-die attitude. So, what does cheerleading entail? Cheerleading is much more than a bunch of girls standing in the corner of a playground, jumping and dancing, while shouting encouraging words to their team. It involves a large number of things, like gymnastics, weightlifting, jumps, running, core strength, and stunting. In fact, cheerleading can be equated with any other sport, when it comes to endurance and stamina. Group training and workout sessions, to coordinate the moves and techniques, of the cheerleaders is also a part of the sport. Becoming a good cheerleader is not a very easy task. In the following lines, we have provided a number of tips that will help you become a cheerleader.

Tips To Become A Cheerleader

Before everything else, you need to decide as to what type of cheerleading you would like to get into. Yes, there are different types of cheerleading such as all-star/competitive cheerleading, high-school cheerleading or cheerleading for an actual sports team.
First of all, you need to find out whether there is any vacancy in the cheerleading squad or not. For the purpose, you will have to contact the coach of the squad.
After you have ascertained that, there is a vacancy in the cheerleading squad, inquire about the requirements to join the team. You will also need to fill up the application form.
Get information on the date and time when trials for the cheerleaders are going to be held.
Start getting yourself into shape. If you have any excess flab, it is the time to get rid of it. Cheerleading entails a very intense workout, so, you need to be able to ascertain if your body will be able to take all the strenuous activity. Remember, cheerleading will include a lot of exercises that will help tone your muscles, strengthen the core areas that are weak in your body and will also help you build stamina.
In order to tone your muscles and to build stamina, exercising on a daily is a must. It is very necessary for a cheerleader to have a flexible body, so stretching workouts are compulsory.
Try to run about three miles, at least three times in a week or do aerobics, at least 4 times in a week. This will help build up your endurance.
Enroll in a dance class or a cheerleading training camp. This will help you learn new movements and techniques that could help you for the cheerleading tryouts.
Try to attend the training sessions or competitions of the cheerleading teams. This will let you know about the moves, jumps and stunts.
In order to strengthen your core muscles in the body, you need to do a lot of sit-ups, crunches and push-ups to keep your abs in shape. This will help you with your stunting and flexibility.
Eat healthy. Yes, it won’t hurt if you have to give up on your favorite junk food for a while. In order to gain something, you need to lose something and the last thing you want on your body while cheerleading, is a tyre of flab.
Start practicing the moves, jumps and stunts that you have seen the cheerleading teams performing. But, before you can do that, you need to thoroughly observe other cheerleading teams in either your school/college/community. Learning skills such as back handsprings, back tucks, aerials and front tucks could be extremely beneficial for your tryouts.
Before the trial, pay attention on your looks. Buy the right clothing that make you look like a cheerleader.
Do not wear any jewelry or loose clothing on the day of your trial. They can interfere with your movements. Most cheerleading squads also expect your hair to be neatly tied up in a high pony.
On the day of trial, be on time. If you are a beginner, it is advisable not to try moves that are extremely tough. Also, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast/lunch and drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.
When it is the time for your trial, say the cheering words in a loud and clear voice, so that the judges are able to hear you.
Be confident and keep a positive attitude. Cheerleading is all about exuding a positivity, that will eventually help the team you are cheerleading for, win. Your enthusiasm and cheerleading techniques, will help you gain the position of a cheerleader. Always remember to smile. Don’t think the judges will not notice.

Being a cheerleader could mean that you are the top representative of the school and are a role model to the people around. People in the community will start recognizing you through your appearances at sporting events and although, cheerleading can be a lot of hard work, you still hold a very important job as a team representative. So, if your dream is to be a cheerleader, go through these points and head to the tryouts!

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How To Be A Cheerleader

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