Stretching For Cheerleading Yoga

cheerleading yoga

If you’ve ever watched a cheer competition, it’s evident that the athletes require a high level of athleticism. The jumps, stunts and tumbling are complex, demanding a range of motion that goes beyond the flexibility of most people. Adding stretching to your routine will help increase your flexibility and improve your performance.

When cheerleaders perform jumps, they rely on the upper and lower body, as well as their core. A strong core is critical for balance, and a weak one will result in unstable movements. In order to strengthen the core, it’s important to incorporate exercises like pushups and squats. Using the Kbands Stunt Strap and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretches will quickly increase your cheerleading flexibility by targeting the hips, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This will also increase your hip stability and allow you to reach for higher jumps and superior stunts that will leave others in awe of your skillset.

Flexibility is key in cheerleading. You can accomplish this by performing dynamic stretches to warm up, as well as static stretches to stretch out afterward. When practicing these stretches, focus on holding the stretch for 20-30 seconds or until you feel comfortable. Then, move to the next stretch until you’ve completed the entire sequence. If you’re unsure how to perform these stretches, ask your coach to guide you. They may even have additional stretches for you to practice. For example, try Chaturanga – a pose that’s often included in Sun Salutations.