Staying Fit

As a cheerleader, I know it is important to stay in shape for not only the skills you need to perform but also the uniform you put on your body. If you feel like you need to lose some weight, don't think "diet" automatically because there is no need for it. With some simple changes in your lifestyle, you can keep the body image you want all year round.

- Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, try eating 5 meals of 250-500 calories a day. 

- Don't be obsessed with checking the scale everyday and going by the numbers. Let your clothes speak for themselves in the way they fit your body to determine if you are losing weight.

- Stay hydrated and drink lots and lots of water. This will keep your overall health in check.

- Pills and medicated shakes are just a waste of money. Those weight loss items do nothing but ruin your body and do everything but make you healthy and make you lose weight.

PSU

Yes, this is your very own, Penn State University cheerleading squad. Penn State has a coed squad that uses every member in some way. The stunt that they are performing starts off with two males on the end holding girls in half hitches. In the middle, a shoulder stand braces the whole pyramid as the top girl holds the legs of the two girls on top of the hitches. You see the cheerleaders perform this stunt many times during football games. It is a way for the girls on top to get involved with their crowd by leading a cheer or chant to their student section. The most difficult part of this pyramid would be the halves on the end keeping them strong and solid.



Bring it On Winter!

Winter sports are here! And that means cheering at basketball games wrestling matches, and of course competitions. This means putting away the warm-ups and suiting up for the rowdiness that tends to happen within the gym. I love cheering for basketball only because of the student section. The student section is so involved and it makes the game alot more fun even when you are losing. I think it's important for cheerleaders to be involved with their fellow students at games because this pumps up the players and also gives an overall involvement with the cheerleaders and fans. I also love cheering for wrestling though. Wrestling is personally my favorite sport to watch besides cheerleading. Cheering for wrestling just makes it even better. While I'm cheering, I get a front row seat up against the mat so I get to see everything that happens close up. After cheering for football for so many months, I'm ready for some winter action.

DJ, Turn that Music Up!

Okay so, I have only gone to about 5 competitions so far this season but I feel like I have heard the same music track played over and over again. Lately, most of the teams that have attended these competitions have used the newest music they could find to make their 2 minute 30 second music mix for their routine. These mixes include..

We Found Love- Rihanna

Cat Daddy- Rej3ctz

Superbass- Nicki Minaj

Something for the Dj's- Pitbull

However, these are just a few of the many songs that have been played over and over. I don't know what these coaches are thinking but I think its time for alittle bit of originality. The good thing about my squad is that our music that our coach picks out has numerous different song choices from many different time periods. We currently have music in our routine that has N*Sync in it. The last time I listened to them I was about 6 years old. I love it though. I think it adds a special touch to the routine that makes our squad unique compared to everyone else.

Ouchhhh

In the cheerleading world, the phrase, "I have a concussion" is often used. Concussions aren't uncommon in the world of cheerleading. No wonder, I mean, look what we do! We throw girls up atleast 15 feet in the air on average. Of course something is going to go wrong once in awhile! I have atleast 1 girl sitting out each week that is on my team due to having a concussion. This also doesn't include injurys such as sprained ankles, hurt backs, and broken bones. Yes, cheerleading is indeed a dangerous sport. Although, even though you might be injured, doesn't mean you have to leave your team completely. If you are injuured, still go to practices even though you might not HAVE to. Motivate your team to do their best even when you can't join them. Also, keep positive and be a team leader from the sideline. Be spirited for your teammates and keep their spirits up.

Bonding as a Team

From personal experience, I know that competitions can be very stressful. Nothing is worse than having teammates not coroporating and not being able to get along in situtions like that. Here are a few tips to make sure your squad is always on the same page and always getting along..

Team Dinners.
Eating dinner as a team will bring you alot closer than what you think. You actually will get to have conversations other than cheerleading and actually get to know other members of your squad.

Movie Nights.
Nothing is more relaxing than sitting down with your girls and watching movies all night especially after a long day of competing. This also gives you a chance to talk among each other and gossip like girls tend to do.

Spirit Games.
Playing games such as Rock the Boat and Little Sally Walker at cheerleading competitions really shows that your squad has a tight bond. It's a chance to shake the nerves before performing and just to have fun.

The Name Says So Much

Wildcat Allstars, the name says so much..

A team, A dream, that you..

Can't Touch!

So far this competition season, the allstar team that I cheer on, the Wildcat Allstars, have placing very good at the couple competitions we have attended. We have only been to 5 competitions so far this season but so far my Senior level 2 team has gone undefeated. Nothing but first place trophies have been handed to us. For my level 4 team, we have recieved first and second places which is still very impressive. We work so hard every week at practice and want nothing more than to just do our best. Hopefully by the time Nationals comes around my level 2 team will still be undefeated and we will be coming home from Nationals being crowned National Champions.