Essential Training Tips for Central Cheer Athletes: Unlocking Flexibility for Jumps, Tumbing and Air Positions
Flexibility is a crucial aspect of cheerleading, especially where tumbling, jumps and stunts are prominent. Increased mobility allows for smoother tumbling passes and ease in achieving perfect shapes. For flyers, flexibility is essential to execute air positions with grace and to bring creativity to their visual stunts. By prioritizing flexibility, cheerleaders can enhance their overall performance and make their routines truly captivating. Here are our top reasons why you arent seeing results in your stretching routine and goals.
LACK OF WARM UP. One of the biggest mistakes cheer athletes make when trying to improve their flexibility is not warming up properly. Before any stretching or tumbling routine, it's important to get the muscles warm and mobile. A good warm-up will increase blood flow to the muscles, making them more pliable and less prone to injury. For Central Cheer athletes in a warm-up could include light cardio, such as jumping jacks or jogging in place, as well as dynamic stretches like leg swings or arm circles. Don't skip this crucial step in your training!
Not Incorporating Strength Training. While flexibility is important, without proper strength, you may find yourself weak and unable to hold poses and shapes, even if you are flexible enough to get into them. Incorporating strength training into your flexibility routine can help build the necessary muscle to hold your positions with ease.
Consistency. Consistency is key when it comes to improving flexibility. If you only stretch once in a while or whenever you feel like it, you won't see significant improvements in your range of motion. That's why it's important to commit to a stretching routine that you can follow regularly. Ideally, you should aim to stretch at least 3 times a week, holding each stretch for 20 seconds
Technique. Not properly aligning your body, resulting in cheating positions and incorrect form. Many athletes struggle with not keeping their legs straight during stretches.. Hip direction is another important aspect to consider, as improper alignment can limit the range of motion. Finally, slouching and not lifting the chest can negatively impact results. Cheating your technique and form will only cheat your results!
By avoiding these common mistakes in stretching and incorporating a consistent the training routine unlock your full potential as a cheerleader! Central Cheer is ready to cheer you on with your goals!
