Cheerleaders Squat

I am an All Star Cheerleader. My 2.5 minutes on the mat is made up of a combination of stunts, jumps, dance and tumbles. Not a Pom Pom in sight (I respect that this is a different discipline/division of Cheerleading in its own right). However, when I tell people about my (slightly unusual, but growing in popularity) hobby 99% of the time they ask me about my Pom Poms! I went to my boyfriend’s hockey game recently (as a spectator) the Captain asked me where my Pom Poms were, I had a black eye at (my face had a disagreement with a knee) my colleague asked me who had been hitting me with Pom Poms, and when I told a friend about Cheerleading he asked me to ‘Give me an A!’ Every time, I feel the need to explain what I really do, perhaps I should not care and just let people think what they want to think. But I want people to see there is more to cheer than the sexy scantily clad ladies seen on TV! I want them to understand that we are serious, hardworking athletes. Real Cheerleaders Squat.

My Coach recently reminded our team of the importance of a good squat (I guess this is what inspired the name of my Blog). When we returned from our Christmas Break, feeling a few pounds heavier from all the food, she put us through an intensive leg workout. As we caught each stunt we had to pause in a strong squat. Coach would force us to get lower if she felt we were not squatting enough. After that session my legs were in agony, my friends and I waddled back to the train station. It took me three days to recover (please don’t judge me I had a lazy Christmas!) However, despite the aches and pains for an older cheerleader all of my stunts were stronger (my baskets & tosses higher than normal!). Since that session I have really been thinking about using my legs and I am so chuffed with my stunt group's improvements!

 I have always said that legs are stronger than arms but that session really reminded me how important it is to build up leg strength. I dabbled in coaching at University and always reminded newbies to use their legs more. However, I think sometimes you can get lazy and forget your own advice. (I have always used my legs a bit but I needed to use them more!) When you watch the top teams at the World Championships you really see the power coming from their legs. I have decided to start working out my legs several times a week so that I can improve my skills, and my booty ;). I have asked around a few friends to see what they have been doing. One girl does her squats whilst brushing her teeth… excellent. Oral hygiene and thighs of steel!

 My choice of workout is the ‘Sally Up Challenge’. More commonly known for being a push up challenge. Every time the lyrics say ‘Bring Sally Up’ you stand up, on ‘Bring Sally Down’ you squat. Pretty straight forward! Use of a hand weight is optional to add to the workout but I believe it is more important to focus on form first! I find this work easy to fit into my day (usually whilst cooking dinner!) My boyfriend sometimes joins me but he claims that he does not feel the burn (thigh burn that is, not my cooking). So perhaps this workout is not for everyone. I would love to see how other people choose so feel free to post suggestions in the comments section below.

(I have tried the push up version but it is much harder! One day I might make it through the whole song).

 
Thanks for reading,

Keeeeeeeeeeep squatting.

X

P.S Remember to warm up first

 

Music is Moby's 'Flowers'.