I want to be a cheerleader again?

Question

I used to be a cheerleader. I loved it! but as soon as we got a new coach i quit. I wanna get back into cheer again, but I'm no longer flexible and cant do things such as the splits, scorpion back walk over and front handspring anymore. Id like to learn again by september when my dance try outs start. Any advice?

Answer 1

just start stretching again & doing drills you used to do

Answer 2

Stetch, girl, stretch!! Since you were a cheerleader before, I would just do the same stretches you did when you were a cheerleader. Here's some additional ones that you want want to try.

L Wall Stretch

Sit w/ your tush right against the wall (sidways). Take the leg that's farthest from the wall, and extend it out so that it is parallel to the wall. Take the leg that's closer to the wall, and swing it up so it sticks straight up vertically on the wall. During this step, your tush should turn so that it's no longer sideways on the wall, but right up against it (if that makes sense). At this point, your legs should be in an 'L' against the wall. Lean your back forward without moving your legs. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat, switching legs. Do 3 sets of these.

Face a wall, and put your tush against it, with your back on the floor. Put your legs in a V on the wall, and push down, or have somebody do it for you. Stretch as far as you can, hold for 20 seconds, push a little more, hold for 15 seconds, push a little more, and hold for 10 seconds. Do 4 sets of these.

(This one will really help w/ toe touches) With your back against a wall, put your legs in a V in front of you. Lift both or your legs about 3 inches (or as high as you can get them) off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat, this time only using the right leg. Repeat once more, using only the left leg. Then repeat entire process. Do 3 sets of these.

This one is great for abs. It's called a hollow body. Lay flat on the ground, and lift your shoulder blades (plus your head) and legs about 5 inches off the ground. Hold for 20 seconds. Do 3 sets of this. Then, do what's called hollow body ups. Lift your back and your legs towards eachother, so it's like you're doing a sit-up. When you go back down, don't let your legs or shoulder blades off the ground. Do 10 of these.

Just Google "Cheer Stretches" and you're bound to come up with oodles of them that you can try. Also, when you're practicing, make sure that when you do kicks and side jumps (like hurdlers), do both sides, even if you suck at one of them, because otherwise it will make your toe touches lop-sided.

Drinking lots of water should help as far as toning.

Just eat healthy, stretch and practice daily, and don't give up! Hope this helps! Cheers!