2014 Cheer New Years Resolutions

In honor of our new year: 2014, I've put together a list of goals that us cheerleaders should set in order to help our season be more memorable and fun. (in no order) HAPPY NEW YEAR!


1. Get a new tumbling skill
2. Build a closer bond to one of your teammates
3. Kick ass at competitions
4. Keep a cleaner uniform
5. Work on higher jumps
6. Pay attention to detail more
7. Be a positive role model
8. Make a least one cheer or dance for your squad
9. Use more unique cheer mixes/music
10. Go to a new competition locations
11. Grow a closer bond to your coach
12. Have one more fundraiser than last year
13. Progress in splits
14. Get a higher pike
15. Make friends with a girl from a different squad
16. Laugh more with your teammates
17. Work out more
18. Make good social choices
19. Listen to your coach more
20. Try a new pyramid or two or three...or more!
21. Get the best grades you can get
22. Master the high kick
23. Get a double down with your stunt group
24. Try a new genre of dance
25. Fly at least once
26. Plan for the 2014-2015 season
27. Try being a part of another stunt group (just in case)
28. Do one new thing your squad has never done before
29. Show leadership skills towards your squad
30. Try a type of basket toss
31. Invite more girls to tryout
32. Work on jump sequences
33. Try a new stunting position
34. Think positive
35. Try a new brand of cheer shoes
36. Avoid drama at all costs
37. Complain less
38. Make as many memories as you can
39. Take lots of pictures
40. Make sure you have "that one story" that only your squad knows about
41. Make 2014 a year to remember

I hope whatever your Cheer Resolution is it comes true and you work hard to make it happen!

Happy New Years!

Love,

A Cheerleader

100th Post: How to Raise Money for Cheer Competitions

Competition season is probably the most fun but also the most expensive, considering you have to pay for individual entry, team fees, buses, bows, signs, hotels, etc. It can get pretty crazy! Here's 3 ways to earn some money for your competition!

1. eBay

Ebay may seem a little imitatdating but trust me it's easy and I quick way to make some money as long as you stay on top of your selling, and shipping so you can stay a good buyer. You can really sell anything on here from old clothes, to cracked iphones. Be smart about what your selling and make sure your parents are okay with it!

 

2. Candy

 

 

Traditional candy fundraisers are super easy to do. Just make sure your candy prices aren't too outrageous or it might turn some of your customers away. People don't want to spend $5 on a chocolate they can pay for $1 at the store but if you keep it at a price like $2 I'm sure they'll be happy to pay the extra dollar to help your team.

 

3. Car Wash

 

 

These easily bring in around $600-$1000 per car wash. Make sure to have your car wash in a well populated area like a grocery store parking lot on a main street. All you need is a few hoses, sponges, towels, and car soap and I bet a bunch of parents will gladly donate them.

 

I hope you get the money you need for this season's competitions!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

Flyer Training: 5 Strange Things That Can Help You Find Your Balance

There's a lot of girls out there who dream of being flyers and who want to start working on their flexibility at the same time as balance but not everyone has a stunt group waiting outside their door or enough money to purchase a stunt stand (click here for more details). If you want to know if you can be a flyer this isn't exactly the right entry to be reading but you can check out: To Fly or Not to Fly on our blog by clicking here!

Any ways here's a few different household objects to use for a source of balance. Make sure when using these items you are being safe. It may sound dumb but you can slip off or the object can slid if your balance if centered or the surface you're on doesn't have enough grip. Be safe and have fun!

1. Brick

 

 

2. The arm of a couch

 

 

3. Bath Tub side (caution: it may be slippery)

 

 

4. Big Can (when it's full)

 

 

5. A stool (make sure the wheels don't move)

 

 

(All photos from Google Image Search)

 

I hope these items help in progressing with your flying!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

Being A Girl: 7 Questions You Want Answers

Sorry if this post is a bit awkward around the edges but I'm just trying to answer questions that maybe some girls might be too embarrassed or afraid to ask. So let's get started! :)

1. Do cheerleaders have to be a certain weight?
A lot of people really want to know this but might feel like it's a bit rude to ask. But the truth is it really depends. I know on all star, high school, pop warner etc. you don't have to be anything but willing to work hard and be motivated but in some colleges there are weight limits not because they want skinny and beautiful people (not that beautiful automatically goes with skinny) they want a certain type of body that will work well in different stunting positions. Generally the answer is no but there are a few exceptions.

2. What do I do if I don't like my coach?
Sure, you can talk to your parents about this topic but you might think that it'll lead to a huge argument at a board meeting or even between teammates. If you don't like your coach first figure out the reasons and try talking to them calmly and informatively. If your coach is showing basis behavior, bad language, inappropriate behavior or anything of that sort you should definitely take it up with your parents and then the school. You shouldn't feel tension from the person who is suppose to teach you and keep you safe during performances. You want a trustworthy adult to watch over and not cause more problems then they're worth.

3. Are cheerleaders slutty?
This is more of a cliché then the truth but I will admit that some girls like to live up to the stereotype of the "slutty, dumb cheerleader" like in movies. I feel like when some girls become cheerleaders they find a different meaning in it. They believe that now it's for popularity and sex-appeal then being the face of your school. The truth behind this question is that yes some girls could try to portray this but most cheerleaders are creative and nice people who just want to be involved in their school and in a sport that they love.

4. Should I wear tampons or pads during cheer?
This is where some people might find this awkward but I'll answer! This questions depends on what you're comfortable wearing. I suggest a tampon because it's more easy to move around in and be active then a pad. Also a pad can be seen through some clothing causing a sort of line around it like a panty line. A tampon allows to wear comfortable clothing and not worry about lines. On the other hand you have to be careful that your tampon doesn't leak onto your uniform. A small panty liner with a tampon is the best answer but wear what makes you comfortable and able to perform at your best.

5. What do I do if my team sucks?
If you're not happy with the team you're on then you can either stay and try to build it to what you want it to be or decide to step away and let it go. It really depends on how much you love cheerleading. This might be an easy decision to some people but to others it's walking away from something big. It also depends on whether it's a high school or all star team. If it's an all star team then you can try to find another cheer location and check it out. Call the owner and ask for a tour or details about the gym. If it's your high school team (and I assume you won't be leaving your high school over it) then you can talk to the school about the program or decide to join another. Cheerleading means a lot to different people and if you're one of them then you could try joining a all star gym for P.E credit and get an off campus pass.

6. Should I wear a thong or regular underwear with my uniform?
This sort of has a similar answer to #4. It depends on what makes you comfortable and also how your uniform looks. If you have a light colored uniform a thong might be a better answer to avoid lines. If you have a darker color you could really wear either.

7. What should I do if I'm the worst on my team? I feel like I'm holding everyone back.
There's a saying that says you're only as strong as your weakest link. If this is true then there is no such thing as being he worst one. I'm sure there are other girls who believe the same thing. All you have to do is work hard and make sure you try your best as cheesy as that sounds. If you really feel this way then use it as motivation to push yourself harder and be the best you want to be.

I hope all of your questions never go under answers, so if you have another question use the "ASK A CHEERLEADER" box on the bottom right of this website!

Love,

A Cheerleader

Merry Christmas from "A Cheerleader"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Picture from Google Image Search

 

I HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE A CHEERFUL DAY! :)

 

LOVE,

A CHEERLEADER 

Merry Christmas Eve: Here's A Present For You!

Thanks so much, I'm just so excited for Christmas tomorrow that I deciding I'm giving you guys your

present tonight! Here's a cheer mix for you! I hope you enjoy it!!

 

Make sure to subscribe to: Ourbloodsweatandchee on Youtube!

 

Merry Christmas Eve!

 

Love,

A Cheerleader

4 Things That Could Go Wrong During Practice

Practice should be something to look forward to but as the week goes along it can become stressful and a few things can begin to go wrong.

#1 No Hair Tie!!!

 

Picture from Google Image Search

Showing up with your nice straightened or curled hair to school must look really nice when you're at school but as soon as you come to practice and realize you don't have a hair tie on your wrist will really suck. Although you might love your hair if you're like me as soon as the jumps dances and stunts start it gets frustrating. So remember to bring a hair tie!

#2 Bad Moods & Tudes

 
Picture from Google Image Search

After all the stressful practices some bad attitudes could start to come out. The coach can be guilty of this too. Claws can start to come out. To avoid this make sure everyone is on the same page and that there are no outside problems or tension.

#3 Stunts Hit & Miss

Picture from Google Image Search

While practice does make perfect you can't always be perfect during practice. You can avoid a fallen stunt or injured teammate by taking all safety precautions like the right training, marking the stunts first, and of course having a trained and certified coach present during all practices. Although misses do happen it can be even more frustrating when it's off and on with hits and misses. Instead of going through sequences quickly trying to "practice" try taking a few videos and analyze them and see what's going on. It could be something as sitting as a flyer not locking out to a base not holding in the right place. 

#4 No Shows

Picture from Google Image Search


 This is definitely frustrating when a team wants to hold a good practice but one person doesn't show up. It may seem fine because of the amounts of people that are there but when one person is gone it's as if a huge stunt group is. A stunt can't go up without a base, backspot, or flyer so to insure that no one misses a lot make sure your coach has a set calendar and schedule of practices and times.

I hope all of these are avoided in your practice and these 4 things that can go wrong actually go right!

Love,
A Cheerleader