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Music plays an important role in cheerleading routines, acting as the heartbeat that drives energy and coordination. The right cheer dance routine music can improve a performance, making it more engaging and dynamic. Music not only sets the tone but also helps cheerleaders maintain rhythm and timing, ensuring that every move is perfectly in sync.

Cheer dance music is essential for creating an exciting atmosphere that grabs the audience. Whether it’s a high-energy remix or a classic cheer anthem, the music chosen can make or break a routine. By incorporating a well-crafted cheer dance music remix, teams can add a unique flair to their performances, making them stand out in competitions and events.

Pump Up the Energy: Why Music is a Game-Changer in Cheerleading

Music isn’t just background noise in cheerleading—it’s the driving force that powers every stunt, every tumble, every routine. The right beats ignite energy, fuel synchronization, and keep the crowd engaged. It’s the heartbeat of performance, turning good routines into unforgettable moments. With music on your side, every cheerleader can push boundaries, hit harder, and inspire greatness. Let the rhythm lead you to victory!Music provides both psychological and physical benefits that enhance the overall performance in cheerleading. Here’s how:

  • Boosts Morale: Music has the power to uplift spirits, energizing cheerleaders and audiences alike. The right tunes can transform a routine into a high-energy performance.
  • Improves Coordination: Music aids in synchronization, helping teams stay in rhythm and execute their moves with precision.
  • Enhances Focus: A well-chosen soundtrack can help athletes concentrate better, minimizing distractions and improving performance.
  • Physical Benefits: Music can make physical exertion feel less strenuous, allowing cheerleaders to perform energetically for longer periods.

 

Selecting the Right Cheer Dance Music

Choosing the perfect music for your cheer routine is important for a successful performance. Here are some tips to guide you:

  • Match the Tempo: Select music that matches the tempo of your routine. Faster songs can energize, while slower tunes might be better for intricate moves.
  • Consider the Theme: Ensure the music aligns with the theme of your performance to create a cohesive experience.
  • Audience Appeal: Choose tracks that will resonate with your audience, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment.
  • Legal Considerations: Ensure you have the rights to use the music, avoiding any legal issues.

With the right music, your cheer routine will not only captivate the audience but also boost the confidence of your team.

 

Exploring Cheer Dance Music Remix Options

Remixing cheer dance music is a fantastic way to inject variety and creativity into cheerleading routines. A well-crafted remix can transform a standard routine into something fresh and exciting, capturing the audience’s attention and boosting team morale.

  • Uniqueness: Remixes allow teams to stand out with a unique sound that reflects their style and spirit.
  • Energy: A good remix can elevate the energy levels of a performance, making it more dynamic and engaging.
  • Customization: Teams can tailor remixes to highlight specific parts of their routine, ensuring that the music complements their choreography perfectly.

By exploring different remix options, cheerleaders and coaches can find the perfect balance between creativity and performance enhancement, ensuring every routine is memorable and impactful.

Seasonal Cheer Dance Mix Songs

Choosing the right cheer dance mix songs for each season can enhance the mood and theme of performances. Here are some popular options for various times of the year:

  • May-July: This period is ideal for cheerleading tryouts and summer camps. Upbeat and motivational tracks can help set a positive tone for new beginnings and team building.
  • August-October: With football season and pep rallies in full swing, high-energy songs that pump up the crowd are essential. Look for tracks that build excitement and encourage audience participation, such as You Gotta Fight.
  • November: As basketball season and competitions begin, teams often look for songs that convey intensity and focus. Music with strong beats and dramatic elements can help create a competitive atmosphere, like Fierce.

By selecting seasonal cheer dance mix songs, teams can ensure their performances are not only synchronized with their routines but also with the spirit of the season, enhancing the overall experience for both performers and spectators.

Conclusion

CheerleadingMix.com is your go-to resource for enhancing your team’s performance with high-quality, budget-friendly cheer dance music mixes. By choosing the right mix, you can inspire confidence and energy in your cheerleading performances. Visit CheerleadingMix.com today to discover the perfect soundtrack tailored to your needs.

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Cheerleading has always been about energy, spirit, and working together. At the heart of every exciting routine is the music that drives the performance. Over the years, premade cheer mixes have evolved to become a crucial element in cheerleading. These mixes not only set the pace but also improve the overall impact of the routines. As we look into the trends being used, it’s clear that high-energy music continues to play a vital role in improving cheerleading performances.

Premade cheer mixes have changed a lot, adapting to the changing tastes and new technology. In this article, we’ll explore what’s new in these mixes and how they are shaping the future of cheerleading. With a focus on the latest trends from 2024, we’ll see how these new ideas are being used to boost performances in 2025.

Evolution of Cheer Music

The journey of cheerleading music has been interesting. Initially, cheer routines were performed to live bands or simple chants. As the sport grew, so did the intricacy of its music. The introduction of recorded music brought a new aspect to cheerleading, allowing for more intricate and synchronized routines.

According to A Brief History of Cheerleading Music, the evolution of cheer music has reflected advancements in technology and changes in musical tastes. From the early days of simple beats to today’s advanced mixes, music has become a powerful tool for cheerleaders. It not only sets the rhythm but also enhances the emotional and visual appeal of performances.

As we delve into the innovations from 2022, it’s important to appreciate how far cheer music has come. The continued evolution ensures that cheerleaders have the best soundtracks to inspire and energize their routines.

 

What’s New in Premade Cheer Mixes 2025

The world of cheerleading music is always evolving, and premade cheer mixes in 2025 are no exception. These mixes are being used to bring fresh energy and new ideas to cheer routines. Here’s what’s new:

  • Modern Music Styles: The latest mixes incorporate contemporary music styles, making routines feel current and relatable. This includes popular genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music.
  • Technology Advancements: With advancements in music production technology, these mixes offer superior sound quality and seamless transitions, enhancing the overall performance.
  • Customizable Elements: Many premade mixes now offer customizable elements, allowing squads to add personalized touches without the need for a full custom mix.

Benefits and Choosing the Best Premade Cheer Music Mixes

Using premade cheer music mixes offers several advantages, particularly for those looking to enhance their routines without the trouble of creating a mix from scratch. Here are some benefits:

  • Convenience: Premade mixes save time, providing ready-to-use tracks that can be quickly integrated into routines.
  • Professional Quality: These mixes are made by industry experts, ensuring high-quality sound and production value.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to custom mixes, premade options are more affordable, making them accessible for teams with varying budgets.

When selecting the best premade cheer mixes, consider the following tips:

  • Match the Routine’s Energy: Choose a mix that complements the energy and style of your routine.
  • Check for Licensing: Ensure the mix is properly licensed to avoid any legal issues during performances.
  • Avoid Common Mistakes: make sure your music is not to slow or to fast. Also dont pick music that does not get your team excited.

 

Music plays a crucial role in performance, as supported by research in Music in Sport and Exercise: An Update on Research and Application. It can boost motivation and enhance the overall impact of a routine.

 

Comparing Premade Cheer Mixes 2024 and 2025

The evolution from premade cheer mixes 2024 to 2025 has brought new changes that improve cheerleading performances. Here’s a look at the significant improvements:

  • Modern Music Styles: The 2024 mixes incorporate more contemporary music styles, reflecting current trends and making routines more relatable and engaging for audiences.
  • Advanced Technology: With advancements in music production technology, the 2024 mixes offer clearer sound quality and more dynamic transitions, helping routines flow seamlessly.
  • Increased Energy Levels: The 2024 mixes are designed to boost energy levels even further, ensuring that cheerleaders can maintain high energy throughout their routines.
  • Customization Options: While premade, the 2024mixes offer more flexibility for customization, allowing teams to add personal touches without compromising quality.

These improvements make the 2024 cheer music premade mixes a valuable asset for teams looking to improve their performances and engage their audiences more effectively.

Conclusion

The world of cheerleading music continues to evolve, with premade cheer mixes 2024 into 2025 setting a new standard for energy and engagement. By accepting modern music styles and technological advancements, these mixes offer both convenience and professional quality. Whether you’re a coach or a cheerleader, choosing the right mix can greatly improve your routine.

To explore a range of high-quality, high-energy premade cheer mixes, visit CheerleadingMix.com. Their expertly made tracks are designed to encourage success and boost confidence, making them an ideal choice for training, practice, and competition. Check out their library for a variety of options or explore specific tracks like You Gotta Fight to find the perfect fit for your team.

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Cheer music production is key to boosting the excitement and energy of cheerleading performances. A good music mix can change a routine, making it more fun and lively. Cheer music producers and companies specialize in creating these high-energy mixes, bringing together various tracks that inspire and motivate squads to perform at their best. In this article, we will explore the significance of cheer music production, the vital role of cheer music producers, and how technology has influenced the evolution of cheer music over time.

The Importance of Cheer Music Production

Music is a powerful tool that raises energy and improves performance during cheerleading routines. It sets the pace and mood, helping teams move together and improve their show. According to Music in Sport and Exercise: An Update on Research and Application, music significantly impacts athletic performance and team spirit, making it an essential component of any cheer routine. Using the right music can make a cheerleading routine more memorable and strong. The right beats and rhythms can motivate the team, encourage synchronization, and amplify the overall performance, creating an unforgettable experience for both the squad and the audience.

The Role of Cheer Music Producers and Companies

Cheer music producers make mixes that excite and inspire teams. They mix tracks to match cheer routines, ensuring that the music complements the choreography. When choosing a cheer music company, consider the following features:

  • Quality: Look for professional-grade tracks that enhance the performance.
  • Affordability: Ensure the mixes fit within your budget.
  • Variety: A wide range of tracks allows for customization and creativity.

Selecting a company that offers professional-grade tracks is crucial for achieving the desired impact during performances.

Cheer Music Websites: Access and Convenience

Online sites have made getting cheer music mixes easier than ever. These digital platforms offer:

  • Convenience: Busy cheerleaders and coaches can quickly find and download the music they need.
  • Variety: Many ready-made mixes are available to fit different styles and likes.
  • Accessibility: With just a few clicks, teams can enhance their routines with high-energy tracks.
  • Immediate Downloads: Once purchased, tracks can be downloaded instantly, allowing you to start practicing right away.

CheerleadingMix.com is a perfect example of such a platform, providing an array of high-quality, affordable mixes to elevate your squad’s performance. You can explore their extensive library of mixes here and learn more about their services here.

Conclusion

In summary, cheer music production is vital for elevating cheerleading performances. It boosts energy, enhances team spirit, and transforms routines. By choosing the right cheer music producers and leveraging the convenience of online platforms like CheerleadingMix.com, teams can access high-quality mixes that inspire greatness. Explore their offerings today to find the perfect soundtrack for your squad’s next performance.

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Music plays a pivotal role in cheerleading competitions, serving as the driving force behind the energy and timing of each routine. The right cheerleading competition music mixes can elevate a performance, setting the tone and pace for the cheerleaders to shine. Music not only enhances the performance but also boosts the overall impact of the routine, leaving a lasting impression on judges and the audience.

This article explores the evolution of cheer music, highlighting how it has transformed over the years. We will explore the unique features of the cheer music mix 2025 and discuss how music influences the performance of cheerleaders. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on selecting and mapping routines with the perfect cheer dance mix 2022. Let’s dive into the exciting world of cheerleading music mixes and discover how they can enhance your routine.

The Evolution of Cheer Music

Cheer music has changed significantly, evolving from simple beats to complex, high-energy mixes that we see today. Over the years, changes in music trends have significantly influenced cheerleading routines. From the early days of basic rhythms to today’s lively music, music has always been important to cheerleading.

For a better understanding of the historical context, you can explore the History of Music and Dance in Cheerleading on Omni Blog. This resource highlights the journey of music in cheerleading, showing how it has adapted to cultural shifts and technological advancements.

Modern cheer music mixes incorporate a variety of elements, including popular songs, sound effects, and voice-overs, creating an exciting and motivating music. These changes reflect broader trends in the music industry and the increasing demand for high-impact performances in cheerleading competitions.

 

Key Features of Cheer Music Mix 2024-2025 Season

Cheer music mixes have always been a crucial part of cheerleading, but the 2025cheer music mix brings something new and exciting. Here’s what makes this year’s mixes stand out:

  • Dynamic Beats: The 2025 mixes feature powerful beats that keep the energy high and the audience engaged.
  • Variety of Styles: From pop hits to hip-hop rhythms, the mixes incorporate a wide range of styles to suit different routines.
  • Unique Elements: Expect surprising sounds and creative changes that add flair to performances.
  • Customizable: Many mixes offer customizable options, allowing teams to tailor the music to their specific needs.

The trends in 2022 focus on energetic tracks that not only enhance the performance but also keep the audience interested. These mixes are designed to match the choreography while adding an extra layer of excitement.

How Cheer Music Affects a Performance

Music is more than just background noise in a cheerleading routine; it’s a driving force that can greatly impact a performance. Here’s how cheer music impacts a routine:

  • Energy Boost: Upbeat music can increase the energy of cheerleaders, helping them perform with more enthusiasm.
  • Synchronization: Well-timed music aids in synchronizing movements, making the routine look seamless.
  • Psychological Impact: Music can influence the mood and confidence of performers, helping them perform better.
  • Audience Engagement: Engaging music holds the audience’s attention and enhances their overall experience.

For a better understanding of how music impacts cheerleading, you can explore more in this article on How cheer music affects a performance.

When selecting a cheer music mix, it’s essential to consider how the music will influence the routine’s flow and the team’s performance. The right mix can make a routine unforgettable.

 

Choosing and Mapping a Routine with Cheer Dance Mix 2024

Selecting the right music mix is crucial for creating an outstanding cheerleading routine. The cheer dance mix 2024 offers a variety of options that can fit different styles and themes. Here are some tips to help you choose the best music mix and map out an effective routine:

  • Consider Tempo and Rhythm: Choose a mix with a tempo that matches the energy level of your routine. Faster tempos can increase excitement, while slower tempos can add drama.
  • Audience Appeal: Select music that connects with the audience. Familiar tunes or engaging beats can make your performance more memorable.
  • Theme and Style Matching: Ensure that the music aligns with the theme of your routine. Whether it’s a classic cheer or a modern dance, the music should complement the choreography.
  • Choreography Strategies: Use the music’s beats and breaks to structure your routine. Plan your movements to align with the music’s high points for the greatest effect.

For more detailed strategies on mapping a routine, you can refer to How to Map a Cheer Routine.

Synchronizing movements with the music is key to a polished performance. Practice timing your actions to the music to ensure a seamless and energetic routine.

Conclusion and Enhance Your Routine with CheerleadingMix

In conclusion, the right cheerleading competition music mixes can greatly impact a performance. From setting the mood to enhancing synchronization, music is a powerful tool in the cheerleader’s tools. As you prepare for your next competition, consider exploring the range of high-energy, pre-made mixes available at CheerleadingMix.com. With well-made tracks designed to inspire, you can boost your routine’s impact and engage your audience. Remember, the right mix not only complements your routine but also elevates it, helping you succeed in competitions.

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Music is key to cheerleading routines, setting the rhythm and energy for performances. It’s the heartbeat of every routine, motivating both the cheerleaders and the audience. With the right music, routines become more dynamic and engaging. This is where premade cheer mixes come into play. These mixes offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for cheerleaders and coaches looking to improve their routines without the trouble of making custom tracks. In this article, we’ll look at how music in cheerleading has changed, what premade cheer mixes are, and their benefits. We’ll also give tips on picking the right mix and finding free options.

The Evolution of Music in Cheerleading

Music has been an important part of cheerleading for many years. Historically, cheerleading routines were accompanied by live bands or simple chants. As the sport evolved, so did the role of music. Today, music is a crucial element that boosts creativity and energy in performances. According to the History of Music and Dance in Cheerleading – Omni Blog, music started becoming more important in cheerleading in the mid-1900s. This evolution has led to the creation of special mixes for cheer teams, helping routines be more in sync and powerful.

 

What Are Premade Cheer Mixes?

Premade cheer mixes are specially crafted music tracks designed to energize and synchronize cheerleading routines. Unlike custom mixes, which are tailor-made for specific teams, premade mixes are ready-to-use and accessible to everyone. Here’s what makes them stand out:

  • Convenience: Premade mixes are available instantly, eliminating the wait time associated with custom mixes.
  • Affordability: These mixes are cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for teams on a budget.
  • Time-Saving: Coaches and cheerleaders can focus more on perfecting their routines rather than spending time on music production.

With premade cheer mixes, teams can quickly find the right soundtrack to enhance their performances without the hassle of creating a mix from scratch. Explore our library for a variety of options.

Benefits of Using Premade Cheer Music

Choosing premade cheer music comes with a host of benefits that can significantly boost a team’s performance:

  • Consistency and Quality: Professional producers ensure that each mix maintains a high standard of sound quality and energy.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Opting for cheap premade cheer music allows teams to allocate resources to other important areas, like uniforms and travel.
  • Performance Enhancement: Music has a powerful influence on performance, as supported by research that shows how music preference can boost exercise responses, making it a valuable tool in cheerleading.

Premade cheer music provides a reliable and effective way to ensure your team’s routine is both engaging and competitive.

 

How to Choose the Right Premade Cheer Mix

Selecting the perfect premade cheer mix can significantly enhance your routine. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

  • Match the Energy: Ensure the mix complements the energy level of your routine. High-energy routines benefit from upbeat, fast-paced mixes, while slower routines might require a more melodic touch.
  • Consider the Style: The style of your routine should align with the music. For example, a hip-hop themed routine would benefit from a mix with strong beats and rhythmic elements.
  • Length of the Mix: Make sure the duration of the mix matches your routine’s length. This helps avoid awkward transitions or abrupt endings.
  • Professional Quality: Opt for mixes that offer professional sound quality to ensure clarity and impact during performances.

For further guidance on music selection, consider the insights from The Psychology of Music Within Cheerleading – Ryan W.D. Blanford, which explores how music influences performance and engagement.

Where to Find Premade Cheer Music Free

Finding free premade cheer music can be a great option if you’re working with a tight budget. Here are some avenues to explore:

  • Online Libraries: Websites and platforms often offer free music libraries where you can find tracks suitable for cheerleading routines.
  • Community Forums: Engage with online cheerleading communities. Members often share resources, including free music mixes.
  • Social Media Groups: Join cheerleading groups on platforms like Facebook, where free resources are frequently exchanged.

While free music can be tempting, consider potential limitations such as lower sound quality or lack of exclusivity. Always ensure the music is legally available for use in performances to avoid copyright issues.

 

Conclusion and Invitation to Explore CheerleadingMix

These mixes provide professional quality and consistency, making them a valuable addition to any routine.

Choosing the right premade cheer mix involves considering the routine’s energy and style to ensure a perfect match. While free options are available, they may come with limitations, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons.

For those seeking high-quality, affordable premade cheer mixes, CheerleadingMix.com offers a wide range of expertly produced tracks. Designed to inspire greatness and boost confidence, these soundtracks are perfect for enhancing training, practice, and competition sessions. Explore CheerleadingMix.com today and discover the perfect soundtrack to elevate your cheerleading routine!

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The perfect basketball dance can be so elusive. As basketball teams begin their practices on the court, many basketball cheerleading programs are beginning their practices on the mats! So how can you and your squad develop the perfect dance for the sideline performance at the basketball game? There are several key elements which you can look for to help create the perfect dance.

 

Finding a Hot Cheer Track

One of them is to have amazing music. Having the track that was hot last year as your dance for this year is never a good look. You want to have the music which is the most recent epic dance track that you can imagine. And while it’s easy to look at top 40 hits to see what is going to be the song for your squad, it is often better to look to chilling dance professionals like your friends at CheerleadingMix.com to find that scorching track. The music producers at CheerleadingMix.com, like Cheer Music Pro (aka Patrick Avard), are the same ones who create the amazing music that you hear at the cheerleading world championships every single year! Those same unique tracks are available with CheerleadingMix.com‘s effortless user interface, for a fraction of the cost of what you see for those worlds mixes.

 

Formations and Levels

When you are looking at choreography, one of the most important moments is the use of the floor. All too often dance teams get trapped in one formation, and stay in that formation focusing on the individual movements rather than looking at their formations from a broader perspective. As you and your squad start to put together your sweet dance moves, think about how you can make full use of the basketball court. Multi-level formations moving in different directions help draw the eye in a way which a static formation often does not. Incorporating something as easy as a level change can often significantly change the way the audience perceives the dance performance.

 

Doing it Together

Synchronization is difficult. It takes hundreds of hours of practice for dance teams to get a dance routine that looks like everyone is moving as a single individual, reflected in mirrors. Luckily, there are many tricks which you can use to make it so that synchronization is not necessary. One of them is to use ripples, or contagions. Using a peel-off ripple or contagion can help let each person on your squad put their own unique spin on the dance moves, but because you are peeling off the formation everyone will do it in a way which seems more synchronized. It’s an illusion of the eye: seeing people move like that in different directions at the same time makes it hard to tell if someone’s individual movement is off. Think about trying to use a contagion next time you and your squad are putting together your dance routine.

There are real challenges to entertaining the crowd during timeouts and halftime at a basketball game. Maybe not appreciate the hours of work that it takes to put together a cohesive dance which can tell a story and keep everyone on the edge of their seats. However, if you and your squad can take into account things like having that epic cheer track and having complex multi-level choreography, then you can entertain your crowd as well as the best slam dunking player on your team!

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Gymnastics is one of the most important elements in cheerleading, and it is one of the few that you can work on entirely on your own. While dance, cheer, and stunting require working with other members of your squad, tumbling is something which has to be learned and mastered individually. Tumbling lessons can be expensive, too, with private lessons costing $75 an hour or more! Becoming a better tumbler is not something that happens overnight – it takes years of practice to hone and perfect those skills. However, there are a few things that you can do on your own that will help you attain your tumbling goals faster. Whether you are working on a standing full or just trying to master a forward roll, these five fundamental exercises will make it easier for you to accomplish what you want.

There are literally thousands of exercises you can do to improve your gymnastics, but most of them require either an experienced coach watching over you while you practice or expensive equipment. These exercises have been chosen because they require little more than a six foot by six foot workout area, a workout partner, and a wall. No new gymnastics skills should be done without the supervision of a qualified professional, and you should trust your judgement when you start any new exercise regimen – if it seems unsafe please do not do it. This is no exception: if you have medical issues or concerns about your safety please do not try any of these skills until you have consulted with medical personnel.

These exercises are more advanced than the ones in our previous post and are intended to be a progression. Make certain you have perfected those exercises before you move on to these!

Free Handstand

Almost all backwards entrance tumbling is built around the handstand. In parts one and part two we discussed different ways that you could build up to a point to doing a free handstand. This is a culmination of those activities. It’s important to remember that holding handstands is so critical in something like a back handspring or even a roundup for a cartwheel. Well you might often only think about the end skills and tumbling past, like a layout or a full, if you have a bad back handspring or a bad round off you’re never getting to a point where you can execute those skills as cleanly as possible. Thus even experienced gymnasts spend a lot of time working on their handstands.

Once you reach a point where you can hold that free handstand you should be working on how long you can hold it and also working on blocking or shrugging drills while you’re holding your handstand. For the varsity variation, a harder version once you’ve fully mastered the skill, you can work on doing a shoulder touch, or you would hold your handstand with one hand while you touch the shoulder with the other and then quickly swap to the other side. You can see these walking type handstand drills all over the place. Still, you must walk before you run. So here is a short video explaining how to get into your free standing handstand.

Hollow Rolls

In part one we talked about the hollow hold, and in part two we talked about mastering the via. The next skill is going to be the hollow roll, which in some ways is a combination of a hollow hold or a be up with a back limber. You will start by balancing yourself in your hollow hole position, please go back and see part 1 if we learn more about hollow holes, and then you will slowly rotate to your right as you’re rotating try to keep your shoulder blades and your feet off the ground, eventually you’ll be in a belly down position keeping your chest off the ground and your feet off the ground creating a slight bow in your back.

Once you’ve gotten there you will continue to roll to the right until you’re backing your hollow hole position. Once you’ve completed that, try rolling back to the left. Working on this will help to contract your entire core, not only the abs which everyone is aware of in the front of your body, but even those key lower back muscles, your upper glutes, and the muscles along either side of your abdominal wall. Holding all of these together is how you’re going to strengthen your core and give yourself the strength you need to produce those high intensity backwards and forwards flipping skills. Here is a short video about how to execute a hollow roll.

Gather Step to Box Jump

The majority of cheerleading tumbling is backwards tumbling. Certainly there are some exceptions, like an arabian or a punch front step out, but most of the time we are talking about back handsprings, back tucks and fulls. As a result learning how to correctly do a gather step into a jump is important. To help you work on this we’re doing a gather step variation on a box jump. The idea is relatively straightforward: practicing stepping backwards to build momentum will help you especially when you’re doing a multiple back handspring to standing skill. Developing the coordination and power to do this in a consistent way will quickly improve your speed and your momentum in throwing these skills. Here is a video explaining how to execute a gather-step box jump.

Side-Leg Splits

Flexibility is a critical part of tumbling not just because of its importance in getting into skills like round-offs and cartwheels. But also because it helps to decrease the likelihood of injury. No gymnastics training is complete without a focus on flexibility. In part two we focused on forward split flexibility, here in part three we’re going to focus on sideways flexibility. By stretching your groin muscle and your hamstrings you will make certain that you can land more consistently, that your power from your round off and cartwheel increase, and that if something should go wrong you can avoid getting hurt. Consistent stretching is always important. This is how you work on your side split.

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Bridge Kick-Over

Central to a lot of chilling tumbling is the back handspring. The back handspring requires you to be able to bridge your back and then flip over. In order to do this, you have to have three key elements: back flexibility, the power to kick over, and the abdominal strength to pull your feet back down to the ground and underneath you so that you can stand up. The bridge kick over works on all of these skills. In part one (include link) we worked on the wall walk to get into a bridge. In part two (include link) we worked on how to do a bridge from a standing position. In part three we focus on how you can kick over once you’ve gotten to that bridge. Please make sure that you are completing all of the previous skills and mastering them before you move on to a new set of gymnastics skills. Here is how you do a back bridge kick over:

Important Things to Consider

Always remember, when beginning a new workout regimen, that you are taking the appropriate precautions to make sure you are doing it safely. You should be doing all of these activities with a partner, both for help in case a movie comes too difficult, but also to be there if something does go wrong. Working on these exercises consistently before you begin working on gymnastics will make a significant difference in how quickly you move through the progressions at a cheerleading or gymnastics gym. However, working on it everyday is critical. While certainly rest is an important part of it, and the occasional rest day is okay, only consistent work on the skills will help you get to your goals and the amount of time that you want.

Sometimes you need a little motivation while you are working through these skills. They can be difficult, and sometimes the idea of going through another workout can be daunting. One of the things that you can do to help keep yourself inspired is to listen to some of the hottest cheerleading tracks in the country. Listen to the music on CheerleadingMix.com to help you stay inspired and help you keep your eyes on the prize.

 

 

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Competitive cheerleading has been around for almost 50 years now, and the transformation it has gone through has been truly incredible. When we think of cheerleading now we think of fast-paced, skill packed routines with some of the most amazing dances you’ve ever seen, all pumping to fresh, independent, and unique music. However, cheerleading was not always like this. The cheerleading routine evolved from the American aerobics and early gymnastics movements in the 1970s and early ’80s, into the complex competitive environment it is now.

 

The Birth of Competitive Cheerleading

The first collegiate cheerleading championships began in the latter part of the ’70s. The routines were long,  performed on a concrete floor or a basketball court, and the tumbling was minimal. Most of the gymnastics skills were limited to handsprings and walk-overs, and if people were throwing skills like a back tuck, it was considered exceptional.  Teams frequently even brought mini trampolines onto the floor to use in assisted tumbling and to tumble over pyramids. Even the stunting was different from what we think of in cheerleading today. Most skills were more closely related to dance lifts than true stunts. The toss chair was around, of course, but sailor tees and bridge lifts were also a big part of the routines. Here’s a routine from the 1978 Collegiate Cheerleading Championships.

 

1978 National Collegiate Cheerleading Championships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHfdHRFr-Mw 

 

Cheerleading Finds its Legs

As the 1980s rolled around, cheerleading began to steal more and more from the burgeoning aerobics and acro0-gymnastics movement. Jazzercise elements became a significant part of the cheerleading routine and tumbling got significantly better; back handsprings and back tucks started to be executed on the floor and people were even throwing fulls, double fulls, and even double backs as they were tumbling on mats. The addition of mats not only made the tumbling better, it also allowed for more difficult stunts. Toss skills to extended positions like extensions and liberties became the norm, and pyramids began to become more and more complex. However, rules governing cheerleading had still not been truly formalized, so many of the skills they were performing look very dangerous to us today. Take a look at this performance from the 1984 NCA National Collegiate Cheerleading Championship.

 

1984 NCA Collegiate Championship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDTRhltsGP0 

 

Cheerleading becomes a National Phenomenon

By the 1990s cheerleading had truly come into its own. The rules have become more standardized, and double flipping skills were made illegal in both basket tosses and tumbling. Similarly, three high pyramids were no longer allowed; all pyramids were limited to a height of two and a half high. Additionally, cheerleading began to expand beyond just a collegiate level for competition. High school cheerleading competitions and all-star competitions began being hosted all over the country. Cheerleading was truly becoming a sport entirely on its own. The first competitive cheerleading dynasties began during this time. When we think of the 1990s we often think of the dominance of the University of Kentucky and Morehead programs in UCA, however there were many other programs producing fantastic cheerleading routines. For example, watch this routine from Alabama:

 

1995 UCA National Championship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0PhPU2JTUM

 

The Modern Cheerleading Routine

After the rulings of the 1990s became a little bit more strict, and catastrophic injuries were less frequent, cheerleading enjoyed a remarkable period of growth. All-Star programs popped up all over the country, and all-star competitive programs became as big or bigger than the collegiate programs. Significant changes were made to the collegiate rules that were implemented in 2005. These rules got rid of the double full as a tumbling skill, limited basket tosses to only two skills, and no longer allowed free flipping skills that did not start from the ground for stunting. These changes became the final big set of rule changes for collegiate cheerleading, and those changes trickled down into all-star as well. In fact since 2005, if athletes wanted to perform double fulls, they had to do it on the all-star level not on the collegiate level. Part of that is because all-star competes on a spring loaded floor, while collegiate cheerleading still happens on a hard mat. Still, look at the difference in timing and intensity of the skills when we look at Navarro’s most recent performance at the NCA Collegiate National Championship:

 

NCA Nationals Daytona 2022 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKqn0DtkLmU 

 

How Cheerleading Music has Evolved

The music in cheerleading routines has changed a lot over the course of the years. Notice how in the 1970s routine, the music was a long piece of instrumental music with minimal or no vocals or sound effects, and was only used in a small part of the routine. The rest of the time the cheerleaders cheered while they were doing skills. On the other hand, as it moved into the ’80s, you will see that they began to use edited popular music. These remixes of popular songs were typically only one artist and one track which were then lengthened or shortened for the routine. Sometimes sound effects and voice overs were added, but this was only for the best funded teams that could afford to have a professional music producer do the work. By the 1990s, the JockJams phenomenon had taken over the world. Music made specifically for athletics was the standard, and the advent of combining multiple songs to make “megamixes” became the norm. By the 2000s the transformation of digital music editing resources meant that now almost every cheerleading program had “megamixes” of popular songs, with voiceovers and sound effects. However, this was a violation of US Copyright Law and by the end of the 2000s the use of music which was the intellectual property of the musicians, and artist who originally wrote it, became illegal for cheerleading competitions.

 

The new rules governing the use of music in competitive cheerleading made it difficult to use popular music. Now most music is a collection of original compositions which were tailored to the needs of the cheerleading industry. Modern cheerleading music is made by music producers like the professionals at Cheerleadingmix.com who make music specifically for competitive cheerleading. In fact, Navarro’s routine was produced by the exact same producers who make the music at Cheerleadingmix.com! If you are looking for some of the hottest tracks in the country at a fraction of the price of custom music, Cheerleadingmix.com has the epic cheer mix that will put your routine over the top!

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Gymnastics is one of the most important elements in cheerleading, and it is one of the few that you can work on individually. While dance, cheer, and stunting require working with other members of your squad, tumbling is something which must be learned and mastered individually. Tumbling lessons can be expensive, too, with private lessons costing $75 an hour or more! Becoming a better tumbler is not something that happens overnight – it takes years of practice to hone and perfect those skills. However, there are a few things that you can do on your own that will help you attain your tumbling goals faster. Whether you are working on a standing full or just trying to master a forward roll, these five fundamental exercises will make it easier for you to accomplish what you want.

These exercises have been chosen because they require little more than a 6’ by 6’ workout area, a workout partner, and a wall. No new gymnastics skills should be done without the supervision of a qualified professional, and you should trust your judgement when you start any new exercise regimen – if it seems unsafe please do not do it. This is no exception: if you have medical issues or concerns about your safety please do not try any of these skills until you have consulted with a medical professional.

These exercises are more advanced than the ones we shared in 5 Exercises to Improve Your Tumbling: Part 1 and are intended to be a progression. Make certain you have perfected those exercises before you move on to these!

 

Wall-Assisted Handstand

The ability to support your weight on your hands is a critical ability in many different gymnastic skills including roundoffs and cartwheels, but moving through the back handspring and even further. As a result, learning how to support your weight well by blocking through your shoulders and extending your arms is going to be important if you want to learn how to tumble more quickly. If you want to get these skills quickly and safely you should work on the wall assisted handstand. The wall assisted handstand is exactly what it sounds like: you will kick up to a wall and use it to support and balance yourself while you work on blocking and controlling your body while upside down. When you are doing the wall assisted handstand, try to do shrug drills or block drills while you are upside down. Working on shrugging through your shoulders and keeping a hollow body position will help you move more quickly to being able to eventually do a freestanding handstand. You should be able to hold your handstand for up to a minute. This video gives you some basics on how to do a wall assisted handstand.

 

V-Up

 Perhaps no skill is more associated with gymnastics than the V-up. The V-up is a core and hip flexor exercise designed to increase your ability to pull your toes up and over your body. First, balance yourself on the very top part of your glutes and extend your arms up above your head. At the same time keep your heels off the ground. This position should be very similar to the hollow hold that we showed in the first set of exercises to improve tumbling. Once you have hit your hollow hold position, in a controlled fashion reach up and try to get your toes and your hands to meet in the middle, then slowly lower down without your mid back or feet touching the ground. At first this will be a difficult exercise, but by practicing a lot you will find that you get the balance and control you need to be able to do multiple reps in a row. Eventually you should be able to work up to doing five sets of 20 repetitions. This video gives you details on the proper form of a V-up.

 

 

 

Box Jumps

Developing explosive power from your legs is a crossover skill which applies to many different gymnastic skills. Even something as basic as a roundoff requires you to be able to push aggressively through and create explosive power in your legs. The box jump is an excellent plyometric exercise which helps to develop that power. The box jump is relatively straightforward: simply jump up to a certain height and then jump backwards back down. Focus on maintaining control and keeping your feet together the entire time. If you do not have a box, you can simply use a step at your house. Once you feel like you have control over doing it on one step, try to move up to doing two steps. If you get to a point where you can do two, try three. For a more advanced version, consider going to a local stadium and doing them on the stadium steps. These larger steps provide an excellent and stable platform for you to practice working your explosive power. Here is an example of how to do a box jump.

 

 

 

Leg-Forward Split

 Flexibility is closely tied to success in gymnastics. The entry mounts for even the most basic front and backwards tumbling (the roundoff and the front handspring) both require a significant amount of flexibility, particularly in the hamstrings. Being able to stretch those hamstrings becomes especially important. Here is a video showing you how to do a series of stretches to work on your forward leg split. Do not attempt to go straight into a split immediately if you don’t have not done it in the past. Instead use active stretching to run through these drills and work on extending your functional flexibility.

 

 

Standing Back Bridge

In the earlier post we talked about doing wall walks. This is an assisted method of getting into a back bridge. You should be certain that you have mastered doing a backwards wall walk to a bridge position before you attempt an unassisted standing back bridge. The standing back bridge is a crossover skill that prepares you for the back handspring. Most gymnastics gyms will require the skill before they let you work on a back handspring. So it is important, if you want to move quickly through your skills progressions, that you work on this before you begin taking your gymnastics classes. Here is a video showing you how to do a standing back bridge.

 

 

Remember that gymnastics can be dangerous. You should always take part in these activities with a friend or a partner present who can be there both to spot and to encourage you along the way. Make sure that you are using an appropriate progression: only by working through these skills to perfection before you move on to the next skill can you guarantee that you’ll be able to do more advanced skills safely.

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Gymnastics is one of the most important elements in cheerleading, and it is one of the few things that you can work on entirely on your own. While dance, cheer, and stunting require working with other members of your squad, tumbling is something which must be learned and mastered individually. Tumbling lessons can be expensive, too, with private lessons costing upwards of $75 an hour or more! Becoming a better tumbler is not something that happens overnight. It takes years of practice to hone and perfect those skills. However, there are a few things that you can do on your own that will help you attain your tumbling goals faster. Whether you are working on a standing full or just trying to master a forward roll, these five fundamental exercises will make it easier for you to accomplish what you want.

 

There are literally thousands of exercises you can do to improve your gymnastics, but most of them require either an experienced coach watching over you while you practice or expensive equipment. These exercises have been chosen because they require little more than a six by six foot workout area, a workout partner, and a wall. No new gymnastics skills should be done without the supervision of a qualified professional, and you should trust your judgement when you start any new exercise regimen. If it seems unsafe, do not do it! If you have medical issues or concerns about your safety, do not try any of these skills until you have consulted with a medical professional.

 

The Shoulder Stretch

Begin by facing a wall. Place the palms of both hands against the wall and straighten your arms above your head, leaning forward as needed to make contact. Then, slowly, walk backward, lowering your arms to the point where you can feel the shoulder stretching. Be certain to keep your arms by your ears the entire time. This stretch is a basic precursor to the wall walk later. You should be able to bend over to 90 degrees at the waist with your arms extended over your head before moving to the wall walk.

 

The Hollow Hold

This fundamental gymnastics exercise works the lower abs and the hip flexors (the muscles running from your abs to the top of your legs). Lay on your back with your ankles pressed together and your arms by your ears. Then lift your feet and your shoulder blades off the floor, being sure to press the ankle and arms inwards the whole time. Once you are comfortable with this position, attempt to move your mid back off the floor as well, balancing on your lower back and the top of your glutes. Practice holding this position for up to 60 seconds at a time.

 

The Tuck Jump

Begin standing with your arms by your side and your feet together. Dip slightly as you take a small back swing with your arms, then attempt to jump as high as you can. At the top of the jump bring your knees as high as you can get them, then extend your legs as you land. When you are executing a tuck jump, focus on the fundamentals: do not dip lower than a few inches to gain momentum, and be certain that your ankles stay completely together throughout the skill.

 

The Forward Fold

Although most of the tumbling in cheerleading is backwards tumbling, it is important to do forward stretches as well. Begin by standing while holding your arms by your ears, then slowly lower down as far as you can. The increased weight of your arms will make it easy for them to move away from your ears, so it is important to focus on keeping that hollow position throughout this stretch. If you cannot get past 90 degrees don’t worry – just keep working on this stretch every day, holding it for 15 seconds, taking a short break, then stretching again. If you keep doing it you will see results within the first few weeks.

 

The Wall Walk

This is the most advanced of these exercises, and if you are still struggling with the forward fold and the wall-assisted shoulder stretch you should not move on to this skill. However, if you are new to gymnastics, mastering the wall walk will help you move more quickly through fundamental skills. Begin with your back to a wall, then take a step forward and put your arms up by your ears. Slowly reach backwards until you can put your palms on the wall. Next, very slowly, begin to walk our hands down the wall. Do not go too fast on this skill, and stop at the point where your back and shoulder flexibility make it uncomfortable to keep going. Hold the stretch at that position for about 15 seconds, then walk your hands back up the wall. Keep working on this skill 15-20 times daily until you can walk your hands all the way to the floor. Doing this will prepare you for front and back limbers as well as your back handspring.

 

One thing you must remember! Gymnastics can be a dangerous sport, and there is a lot of conditioning and training involved to make sure that you stay safe as you begin your gymnastics progressions. However, all gymnastics comes down to fundamentals like core strength, explosive jumping, and back flexion. Working on these exercises every day can help you to shorten the timetable on gaining new skills, especially if you are thinking about starting a tumbling regimen. It is important that you have someone else around while doing these skills, just so you have help if you need it. Besides, working out is more fun if you have a friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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