Cheerleading and gymnastics are considered to be sports because they require a level of athleticism that goes beyond dance. They also take many hours of practice to master and require specialized training. They also have a high risk of injury and should be supervised by qualified coaches to minimize risks. Both activities teach children and teens to work as a team, which can help them develop lifelong friendships and positive social skills. They also learn to handle both victories and defeat appropriately in a healthy and safe environment.
Cheers and cheerleaders perform stunting, tumbling, jumping, and dancing routines to music during competitions. They must be able to master a variety of acrobatic moves, including forward rolls, backward rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. They must also be able to jump in various positions, such as the toe touch, hurdler, and pike jump, which requires good flexibility.
While the benefits of cheerleading are well known, it is less common to hear about the emotional benefits of the sport. Children and teens who participate in organized cheerleading learn how to build trusting relationships with teammates. They also learn how to overcome failures, which helps them build confidence. These lessons can be transferred to other aspects of life, such as balancing school and career goals.
Whether a child wants to pursue cheerleading or gymnastics is a personal decision, and it should be based on what the child’s interests are and what their parents can afford. Both sports are a lot of work and can be very expensive, especially if the child wants to go to competitions or to attend a top-tier gymnastics academy.