Omni Cheer Blog

Cheerleaders have to be prepared for anything. Living a cheer lifestyle is fast and furious, requiring cheerleaders to be ready for practice, competitions, travel, school days, and the sidelines‚ usually with little time in between! From the items in a cheer bag to the bag itself, cheerleaders have to accessorize properly in order to have everything they need on hand when they need it. Although some cheerleaders would prefer having a whole store’s inventory at their disposal, there are five main items that all cheerleaders cannot live without:

1. A compartmentalized bag. Longtime cheerleaders know that they need more than five items at all times (although some are more important than others!) Therefore, a cheerleader’s best friend is her choice of bag. Compartmentalized bags with enough sections allow cheerleaders to know exactly where their cheer necessities are when it gets down to crunch time.

2. Glitter. When you’re on the go, you can’t stop to redo or touch up your makeup. Because of such busy schedules, smart cheerleaders carry around with them a couple of different colors of glitter for the quick transitions between school time and cheer time. Plus, a touch of glitter adds glow wherever you go!

3. Snacks. Having to run around from schools to sidelines to social events can deplete a cheerleader’s energy supply, especially if there is no time to eat! In order to stay healthy and happy throughout the year, a cheerleader needs to maintain a well-balanced diet involving fruits and vegetables, carbs, and sugars‚ yes, I said sugars! If you know you have a jam-packed day ahead of you, make sure you pack your cheer bag with yummy snacks from home, such as celery with peanut butter, trail mix, protein bars, or even candy. Just don’t forget to hydrate too!

4. A big, big bow. If you don’t have time to change between school and a social event, nothing says you’re a stylish cheerleader like rocking a jumbo performance bow wherever you go. Bows are totally trending this year, so put your personality in the spotlight by choosing to rep a unique design. Or rotate seven bows for each day of the week. Like I said, bows are so hot right now‚

5. Support. Cheerleaders are constantly under a lot of pressure, and that goes without saying for both sideline and competitive cheer teams. Stress is hard to deal with, especially when it’s over an activity that you normally enjoy and compounded with other life factors like school, family, friends, and future goals. No matter the age, no matter the level, cheerleaders need a support group to rely on when times get to be too stressful because at the end of the day, cheerleaders do what they do for the love of their sport. If you’re a coach or a parent, this is the most important thing to remember in order to keep your cheerleaders from getting discouraged.

Do you think there are other cheerleader must-haves? Tell us in the comments other things you cannot cheer without.

As exciting as starting high school can be, many freshmen are confronted with peer pressure and hazing, whether it’s in history class, the cafeteria, or
cheerleading practice (yep, it happens).

Everyone wants to fit in and be liked in school, which is why so many people fall prey to hazing rituals or peer pressure. However, hazing and peer pressure often times goes too far and many schools and teachers are taking a stand against it by instituting a no tolerance policy. The sad thing is, many students never report hazing because they’re afraid or embarrassed. As a freshman, you must know that hazing and peer pressure
is never okay. Find out how to deal with it and when to take it to the officials.

First, what exactly is the point of hazing? Groups of students will haze a new member or a freshman as a means of initiation, either because he/she is joining the group or because he/she is a new student. While bullies disguise hazing as
a team building exercise to help one “fit in,” it is nothing more than cruel victimization
‚ an excuse to harass, bully, and embarrass someone. Some hazing has gone so far it’s resulted in physical injuries and even death.

Hazing can be a more extreme peer pressure but even basic peer pressure is a form of bullying. Peer pressure is when someone tells you to do something simply because “everyone else is doing it” or because you won’t fit in unless you do it. No one should ever do something they’re not ready for or that they don’t feel comfortable doing.

Unfortunately, while you can say no to hazing, you can’t prevent peer pressure from happening. Most likely, someone at school will try to pressure you. It’s up to you to say “no.” This is easier said than done. It can be scary standing up to an intimidating peer, but by doing so you’ll show him/her that you’re not someone to be pushed around.
Taking a stand doesn’t mean you have to start a fight; instead, voice your opinion. Explain why you don’t want to do something or why you won’t take part in a hazing ritual. Remember, real friends would never make you jump through hoops in order to prove yourself.

If someone continually harasses you or tries to intimidate you, it’s time to talk to a teacher, parent, or school official. If someone is bullying you, he/she is most likely also bullying other people. By standing up to the person by talking with an adult, you may help prevent other people from being bullied.

Maybe you’re not being pressured or hazed, but you’re worried that your friend
or teammate is (or you’re a parent and think your child is being bullied). By knowing the signs of someone being peer pressured or bullied, you can know when to reach out to that person and try to help.

If someone is being bullied or hazed, he/she will start withdrawing from friends, families, and group activities. She may start skipping or being late to
cheer practice. Other symptoms include a changed physical appearance, weight loss, bruises or other physical injuries, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, personality change, or lack of communication.

Hazing and peer pressure are forms of bullying and no one should endure them. By knowing the signs and knowing how and when to stand up to a bully, you can avoid being hazed or pressured into something. To learn more about hazing,
visit Deal.org.

Fun fact: Did you know
Chasse scholar and Cheer Channel Superstar of the All Stars Dee Temples promoted an anti-bullying campaign with Cheer Channel?
Read all about it here and watch the video below:

Have you ever been hazed or peer pressured? How did you handle the situation?

Being a mom is a tough job, and really you don’t get credit for most of the things that you do. There are a lot of expectations once you become a mother, and everyone has their opinion on how you can be a better one. Growing up, I know I thought my parents could have done better, but as you get older, you realize that your parents did the best that they could with what they had. So, CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK! Sometimes, it feels like, as women, we are held to a higher standard: there is this weird incessant need inside of us to be perfect, all the time, and there is really no reason for it. So, here are some helpful tips on how to stay positive in this world that is always telling you that you are not good enough.

1. Don’t take on everything yourself. Asking for help may have never occurred to you. Other moms can do it, so why can’t I? To be honest, other moms can’t do it all on their own, and are holding on by a thread just like the rest of us! Or, they ask for help. Having a support system is the best when you have kids. We all know the old saying “it takes a village‚ “, so why do we think we can do everything ourselves? Why not help each other, talk to other moms on the team, and see if you can come up with a carpool schedule, so you don’t have to rush home from work every day. Or, have you and your partner switch off from week to week. Sometimes you get stuck in a routine: you pick up the kids from school, take them to practice, rush home and make dinner, and the list goes on and on. The good news is it does not have to always be this way. Make a list of all the things you “have to do’, and sit down with your partner or a family member who can help you out. See if they can take on some of the responsibilities. Moms think we can take it all on, but it is not our responsibility to take it all on. Ask for a little help, and be willing to let go of that control. It does not make you a bad mother; it actually makes you a better mother and a happier mother because it will reduce your stress, and allow you to spend more quality time with your family.

2. Be happy with what you have. Jealousy and envy are dangerous monsters. You may not even think you are being jealous or that it is holding you back. It is one thing to have a goal and to create steps to get there; it is an entirely different thing to “wish’ for things and never make steps to get there. You are never going to “keep up with the Joneses’, so stop trying. Look at your home, look at your family, look at yourself, and see what you do have. You probably have a lot, and you should be proud of all the things you have and of your family. I know I have been to cheer competitions, and some of these teams cost a lot to be a part of. Some of these other parents have their hair blown out and makeup perfect. I have seen a mother at a competition who not only had a $5,000 purse, but she placed her purse ON THE DIRTY FLOOR?! I don’t know how much money you have to have to put a purse like that on floor, but I can tell you with confidence, it is more money then I will have in my entire lifetime. Cheerleading is an expensive sport, and there are people who are pretty well off at some of these competitions. But, comparing yourself to anyone else is not going to make you happy, and it does not mean that they are better than you in some way. Instead of buying the $5,000 purse to keep up with these moms, spend the money on a getaway for you and the family. You will be happier not “needing’ things to make yourself and your family happy, since having all those things do not equal happiness.

3. Take some time for yourself. This is something I personally struggle with‚ I feel guilty when I take time for myself. I never understand how my partner doesn’t even think about it; he finds the time and makes it work. I try to find time to decompress after I get off of work, then I get home and I am running around, being pulled in 50 different directions as soon as I walk through the door. Talking with other mothers, it seems like they struggle with this, too. So, I thought to myself, “what if I got home 30 minutes later than I normally do? What would happen? ” NOTHING! Nothing happened at all! The world did not end, my family was fine, and the only one who really noticed was my dog. By taking an extra half hour to dedicate to myself, I am happier, and when I get home and am rushing around a million directions at once, I am ready. You can take those 30 minutes to do something you enjoy, like photography, getting a cup of coffee, or going to the gym. You have the time, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. As a working mom, you have to learn the difference between spending time with your kid versus spending quality time with your kid. With kids, it is really about quality over quantity. Spending 30 minutes on yourself before you get home helps you be able to have that quality time. If you come home frazzled, you won’t have that quality time with your kids. So, stop feeling guilty, and take a 30-minute walk outside before you go home. We love our kids; we cannot take care of them if we don’t take care of ourselves.

Sometimes, it is hard to stay positive when you are a mom. You can think positive thoughts and do deep breathing or meditation. But, all of those things can be hard when you are at the grocery store with a sick kid who is screaming and everyone is looking at you‚ like you are the worst mother in the world. With lifestyle changes like asking for help, not comparing yourself to other mothers, and taking some time for yourself, you will be happier and more positive in your daily life. Just remember: you are doing the best you can, and you are doing a good job! Stop doubting yourself, and remember you are awesome!

What are other best practices for cheer mothers to stay positive? Share what works for you in the comments!

Even the off-season isn’t really an off-season for cheerleaders and cheer coaches. Many cheer teams are training and practicing year-round. While there are so many different types of cheerleading teams nowadays — All Stars, Pop Warner, sideline-only, sideline and competitive… — there are generally standard focuses every cheerleading team should be working on each season.

Spring

Spring can either be a very busy and stressful season
or a relaxed season, depending on the type of squad. For All Star squads, competition season is ending soon but, with the approach of Worlds and other major competitions, cheerleaders are busy practicing and giving their all. School squads that don’t compete will have a slower spring season. Many have tryouts in the spring, which means this is a season for saying hellos and goodbyes to new and old teammates.

If you’re a cheerleader, make sure you:

• are working on your flexibility, stamina, and strength. If you don’t have practice, you’ll need to maintain these skills on your own.
• get to know your new teammates.
• stock up on practice wear for summer and camp before it’s too late!
• have any and all paperwork complete and turned in to the coach, along with any program fees that are due.

While spring may be a slower season for some cheerleaders, it can still be very busy for coaches. During the spring, coaches should be planning for the new cheer year with their new team. Coaches will be planning for camp, selecting
new team uniforms, creating new routines and cheers, and, of course, getting to know their new team members and finding out their strengths and areas for improvement.

If you’re a coach, make sure you…

• have all documentation for each team member, including contact information, parent information, apparel sizes, allergies, etc.
• have plans for camp and/or summer practice set and ready.
• inform your new team of rules and regulations.
• meet with all cheer parents and brief them about the upcoming year.
• have at least a general plan for the upcoming year, including emergency regulations, deadlines for payments, etc.

Summer

It’s the season for camp! School is out, which means cheerleaders can dedicate more time to practice and training.

If you’re a cheerleader, make sure you:

• work as hard as possible at camp.
• practice smart in the heat. Have water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks always on hand.
• ask the coach if you have absolutely any problems or concerns. You’ll be learning a lot during summer and it can be easy to forget steps. Don’t hesitate to ask the coach or captain for help. Do it during the summer, otherwise you’ll be lost in the fall!

If you’re a coach, make sure you:

• have a plan for camp, including fun team building activities, routines, cheers, chants, etc.
• have ordered your team uniforms for the fall season.
• start working with a choreographer, if you think you’ll need one for an upcoming season’s routine.
• have all the proper equipment necessary if your team will be stunting and performing advanced tumbling moves.
• have your fundraising ideas and plans in place.

Fall

You know what fall means: sideline cheering! School squads will be cheering constantly at football and basketball games, at home and away at other schools.

If you’re a cheerleader, make sure you:

• stay on top of all your school work. Keep a planner and always update it so you know when you have upcoming tests, assignments due, and projects. If any school requirements interfere with cheer practice or a cheer event, inform your coach as soon as possible.
• stay warm at evening games. Layer with body liners and wear warm-ups when you’re not performing. It’s the beginning of cold season and you want to stay as healthy as possible!
• be as spirited as possible! Fall is a big season for school spirit, as there are big football games, Homecoming, and a lot of pep rallies.

If you’re a coach, make sure you:

• know the full football and basketball season schedule, including home and away games, and which ones your team is required to perform at.
• have all the right cheer shoes for the sidelines, as well as body basics and warm-ups for chilly outside games.
• save time to prepare for school events like pep rallies, Homecoming, and fundraisers. These may take time out of practice hours, so find ways to make up for the lost time!
• are involved in your teammates’ school responsibilities. Know when they have midterms coming up and when your team members will need extra time to study. If your cheerleaders don’t make the grade, they can’t cheer!
• register and plan for competitions, if your team will be participating. This includes ensuring you have all uniforms, routines, music, and travel plans.

Winter

Even if you aren’t competing, winter is a great time for your team to work on flexibility, stunting, and more advanced routines.

If you’re a cheerleader, make sure you:

• inform your coach ahead of time of any family vacations.
• are aware of any upcoming competitions. If you are competing, spend extra time stretching and practicing at home.
• think about tryouts in spring, especially if you’ll be trying out for a different team.
• don’t just watch TV during winter break. Hit the gym, go jogging, or stretch while you watch a movie.

If you’re a coach, make sure you:

• have everything set for competition season, including uniforms, accessories, travel plans, etc.
• know if any of your team members will be away on vacation during winter break and whether or not you’ll be able to hold practice during the school break.
• start thinking about tryouts, including when and where you’ll hold them, how many team spots will be open, whether you’ll require old members to tryout again, etc.
• confirm that all of your team members surpassed the minimum required GPA to continue cheering the following semester. If any don’t make the grade, plan on how to fill that team member’s spot.

When you’re part of the cheerleading world, there’s never a dull moment. However, as long as you know what to expect each season — and what you should plan for — the busy schedules don’t have to translate to hectic and stressful schedules.

What We Hope Will And Won’t Be A Reality For Cheer And More In 2013

How Will The Year In Cheer Play Out?

1.)
The year will be unpredictable. Cheerleading is a progressive sport, with a creative and driven community. You never know what will happen, but you know it is going to be great!

2.)
The “is it a sport?” debate will rage on. Will it ever end? We hope so. The most immediate and impactful result of cheerleading not being a sport is the absence of regulations, which lead to more and more
catastrophic injuries each year.

3.)
Safety will be THE issue of the year. The risks involved in cheerleading are immense, and unfortunately the rate of injury is on the rise. Check out the
National Cheer Safety Foundation for all the latest information and reports on injuries, and how to prevent them. Cheerleading injuries are, rightfully so, receiving increased media attention, and
medical experts are calling for across-the-board regulations to be put in place.

4.)
The fashions of cheer will continue to evolve. As cheerleading becomes a hybrid of sideline and competitive performances,
cheer apparel companies like Chasse stay committed to offering classic uniform options, while adding updated fabrics and styles that accommodate advanced
stunting and tumbling. We’ve gotten a peek at the new collection of uniforms, warmups, accessories and practice wear from Chasse, and we are loving the designs!

And just for fun…

Things that won’t happen

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel won’t be having a baby this year because,
in case you haven’t heard, he is getting ready to (finally!) release a highly anticipated new album!

Things that we DO hope happen

Khloe Kardashian finally gets pregnant. It’s the perfect time since the family is already growing, and the girl has been trying forever. We’re crossing our fingers for Khloe and Lamar – this will be their year!

Jen Aniston gets married and starts a family. Who isn’t hoping for this?

Things we know are happening, that we think will be awesome

The
new lineup of Cheer Channel, Inc. shows will be launching throughout the year, with season 2 of Secret Diary of an American Cheerleader set to air soon, as well as Cheer Mashup with Maddie Gardner. They have a ton of other shows in the works, and we know they are working hard on them. Can’t wait to see them!

Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The second film in the trilogy is set to be released this fall and we Can. Not. Wait. JenLaw is amazing, and we hear the midnight show on opening night calling our name!

Not all fundraisers are created equal. Some work best at certain times of the year (like selling football merchandise during the fall) and others just don’t work at all in some months (you wouldn’t hold an outdoor BBQ in the dead of winter in Massachusetts). On the other hand,
there are fundraisers that can easily be used year-round, no matter what the weather or season.

• Holding a raffle. At anytime of the year, people love winning free things. Raffles are great fundraisers that can be added on at any event, whether it’s a holiday party or summer BBQ. Check with local businesses to see if they would be willing to donate items for a raffle. Raffles work best when you have at least one big prize to offer, like a television or an iPad.
• Coupon books. Coupons, especially for places like the grocery store and movie theater, work well all year. Like a raffle, you’ll need to work with local businesses in order to create a coupon book. There are also many online services that offer coupon books for your city, depending on where you live.
• Using an online donation platform. There are countless crowdfunding websites, like FundRazr and JustGive, that let groups raise money by creating a profile and asking for donations. Remember, you need to have a good story and a reason for needing the money to get people interested in contributing. However, if you clearly explain why your team needs to raise money, you can easily raise money from individuals around the world.
• Fund2Raise cards. Fund2Raise cards are just about the easiest way to raise money. In the simplest of terms, Fun”D” 2 Raise cards are scratch-off donation cards. Each card has 150 scratch-off stars and each one reveals an amount (between $0.75 and $3.00). Whoever scratches off one of the scratch-off stars agrees to pay whatever amount is revealed. With the Fun”D” 2 Raise cards, once you’ve collected your donation, you’re done! You don’t need to worry about delivering any products, sending in order forms, or repaying a portion of your collections to the fundraising company.

What are some other fundraisers that work year-round?

Cheerleading Blog’s 2013 initiatives were designed to get the opinions of the real experts – our readers! As part of our 2013 schedule, we’ll be posting a new cheerleading poll every month and making it open to your voting! Check the newest poll, and be sure to cast your vote! Once you cast your vote, you’ll be able to see the
most current cheer trends and results. Be sure to check our polls every month, and to cast your vote! The full results for each poll will be available the following month in its own blog article.

Fundraising for cheerleading is a vital part of many programs! Teams spend their nights and weekends thinking of
great fundraising ideas, then executing those ideas. Cheerleaders fundraise for summer camp attendance, admission fees for competitions, and for their regular season. It seems neverending! Which got us thinking about when teams start their fundraising efforts.

Sorry! This poll is no longer open for voting. View the results here.

The thing about fashion is that it is always changing and evolving, which is particularly baffling to the uninitiated. Most people wouldn’t even be caught dead wearing what was considered fashionable ten years ago. However, as the fashion icon Coco Chanel had once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same, ” and I couldn’t agree more. I believe that it all comes down to a few ideas and secrets that not only help you keep up-to-date with the current trends, but also save you a few bucks.

There was an era when fashion was dictated by a handful of fashion design boutiques or celebrity tycoons. With the Internet available at your fingertips, everyone today is a fashion designer. But, the question is, are you a “pro fashion designer’? Do know how to look chic within your budget? If you can’t imagine wearing anything well outside of
your cheerleading uniform, better read this article to revaluate your fashion sense for
cheer events when you leave the uniform at home. These seven secrets will not only blow your mind, but definitely will change the way you think about getting fashionable these days! So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty secrets of fashion.


1. You wear the clothes, and not the other way around. Never let your clothes overpower your sense of style and your look. Just because a particular trend is popular, it does not mean you have to wear it‚ especially, if you think it does not look good on you! That is why it is essential that you figure out your style statement and to do that; you have to go out and experiment with different styles to see which ones look good on you.


2. Take care of your body. At the end of the day, clothes and trends will come and go, but it is your body which will remain with you in the long run. You need to be friends with it, make peace with it. If you do not like the way your body looks, no amount of expensive clothing is going to make you feel beautiful and comfortable. This means
eat healthy, moisturize your skin, and stop using a ton of chemical products because they are the latest fad.


3. When unsure, go with black. There is a reason why black is the most popular color on the spectrum. It suits every skin complexion, is appropriate for almost every event, and has a slimming effect on the wearer’s silhouette. Perhaps that is the reason why Ms. Chanel said that the “Little Black Dress’ is a must-have in every woman’s closet. Keep an emergency black item in your closet, because you never know when you may need it.

4. Get a good tailor. Sizes are a tricky thing, which is why not every dress and piece that you love is going to fit you like a glove. But, then again, a good dress is completely wasted if it is ill-fitted. So, unless you learn how to sew your own dresses, we suggest that you find a cheap tailor that can alter your clothes to best suit your frame. Trust me, it’ll make quite the change to your entire wardrobe.

5. Know a few inexpensive, yet magical shops. Not all of us can afford high-end designer clothes. That is where little boutiques and online shops come in. You will be amazed to find how many online stores sell “as worn on’ clothes priced at discount. Take a few hours from your week to look around your neighborhood for cute little shops and handloom pop-ups. They are so underrated, and offer great saving deals! Honestly, all I’m saying is that
looking good does not need to break your bank. Still you don’t believe me? Here’s one of the many online shopping hacks that can practically save your bank balance: buy any fashion product and add it to your cart. Keep this product in the cart for a few days. Now, if your social media account is linked to the shopping site, then you will start to see remarketing ads all over your social media. Click on these ads, but don’t buy the product. After few days, you might see the price of this product dropped, or a few discounts on the similar items.

6. Learn to walk in heels. At one point, you will have to wear heels, whether it is on a date or at work, and trust me, the first time is always painful. It’s fine if you aren’t comfortable with stilettos; that is why I suggest that you get yourself a pair of wedges or even kitten heels, and learn to carry those off. Not only will it give your posture a boost, but you can always level up from them if you decide that heels are actually your thing.

7. Make your very own look book. This may sound a little exhausting, but trust me on this, it will save you tons of time and hassle, especially if you have to leave for work early in the morning. A look book makes sure that not only you are up-to-date as to what is inside your closet, but that you take time to plan your outfits. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Lay down your clothes on your bed, snap pictures and see which ones look good with which.
Add in accessories, and voila‚ you have multiple looks waiting for you in your closet! So, the next time you go out, you do not have to wrack your brains about what to wear.

With social media shopping sprees on the rise and an increasing budget for fashion, the industry is evolving very fast and you won’t know when your favorite fashion piece will get out-dated. Luckily, these seven secrets will always be fresh and help you stay up-to-date.

What style secrets do you swear by? Leave a comment below and let us know!


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author:

Stacey Connor is a freelance writer who loves to read and write articles on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle tips. She divides her time between travel and lifestyle. 

Yoga might not fit into traditional fitness plans incorporated with cheer training. Sure, you need cardio and core strengthening conditioning sessions to get you into top physical condition for the cheer season, but low-intensity workouts bring their own benefits to the fitness table, too! To truly go full out, you have to maintain a well-rounded level of fitness that includes strength training, consistent cardio, endurance training, and yes, even meditation! That’s where activities like yoga come in‚ to help cheerleaders achieve that balance (pun intended). There are many wellness benefits to yoga, but there are some things about it that apply to cheerleaders more than to other athletes.

1. Yoga increases flexibility. This is a given‚ yoga helps you bend. But, yoga poses aren’t the normal stretches that an athlete does before and after they workout. Stretches in yoga activate muscle groups that lay dormant in other exercises as you twist your body in unconventional ways. This is great for cheerleaders, since stunting requires most of the muscles in your body! Yoga covers all of your major and minor muscle groups, and with persistent yoga sessions, you will not only get these muscles used to being activated, but also increase the flexibility of your muscles as you do. It’s a win-win!

2. Yoga heightens mental acuity. As you train, one thing that most cheerleaders overlook is their mental wellness. Cheerleading is fun, fierce, and full of challenges, which can sometimes lead to becoming overstressed and overworked. Yoga, and other alternative workouts, help to decompress participants through meditative breathing, focus, and channeling your energy away from mental stressors. Cheerleaders lead very active lives‚ with calendars lined with cheer, school, and social engagements‚ so taking time out to breathe and reflect does more good than you think! Plus, with a clear mind, cheerleaders can focus better when it counts! Breaking down tough choreography becomes easier with less mental clutter, you sleep better at night, and you’re able to overcome obstacles you never thought possible‚ all just by taking the time to condition your mind.

3. Yoga protects you from injury. Say, what?!? It’s true! Injuries happen for more reasons, but many are from strains and muscle tears. In cheerleading, concussions are the number one injury, fact, and there’s not much you can do about that besides try to cheer safely. But, yoga does help protect you from other cheer injuries! Yoga stretches not only your muscles, but the ligaments that hold your muscles together; since they are regularly getting activated, your ligaments don’t tear as easily.

4. Yoga gives you more energy. That’s right‚ ditch the energy drinks and venti Starbucks frappachinos (not the healthiest choice anyway)! Through the muscle activation and the mental meditation, you walk out of yoga feeling refreshed. It’s why people go! Because of the downtime you’ve taken to revitalize your mental and physical health, you have (without knowing) fueled yourself with energy for other activities. Yoga is like taking a vacation for your soul‚ go away for an hour and come back to face the rest of your day!

How else does yoga help cheerleaders? How has yoga made an impact in your cheer career? Tell us your story in the comments!