Watch any TV show or movie with a cheerleading squad and you would have to agree that it takes strength, flexibility, stamina, and a whole lot of trust to be a cheerleader. As Coach Andrea often reminds us, "cheerleading is a team sport in the truest form." Unlike on other teams, one member cannot compensate for another's weaknesses. If a flyer cannot hold themselves up or a base cannot support their weight the stunt won't leave the ground, no matter what.
But how to you condition properly so that you are flexible enough to hit a split and strong enough to lift a team member of equal or greater weight than yourself above your head for four quarters straight?
Google "Cheerleading Workouts" and you'll get thousands of hits ranging from Yahoo answers, suggestions from UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association) and NCA (National Cheerleading Association) and even a brief overview from the LiveStrong Foundation. There are so many options that it's hard to know who to trust!
If you really want to know what it takes, check out the Cardinal Cheerleading Summer Workout, on the "About the Cardinal Cheerleaders" page. You'll find a link to Coach Andrea's work out plan, as well as great resources for stretching, jumps, and arm motions.
Like the work out? Learn more about joining the team here!
