Expert: James - 10/18/2008

Question
Jim-
So I cheered throughout high school and I was always a base. Now its my second year in college and I want to try out for the  cheer squad at the university in transfering to. My passion has always been to fly but my place on my old squad was to base and that was all I got to do. I can do stretchs, scorpians, scales, bow n arrows so I am very flexible. The reason Im talking to you is that in order to fly on this squad you have to be a certain weight and I do not fit that requirement. Currently I'm 140 and they ask us to be at least 120-125 to fly. Can you please tell me what is the best way to loose this weight and get stronger?? Try outs are not till April so I still have a bunch of time. Thank you,

Danielle

Answer
You're absolutely right, you do have plenty of time. That is a difficult question to answer really. First make an honest assessment if your weight is predominantly muscle or other. If you are really muscular then you're in for the fight of your life to drop the weight. Boxers have ruined their careers (i.e. Roy Jones) by bumping up to a different weight class and then having to lose 15-20lbs of sheer muscle to get back down to their old one. If you're like most of us and a mixture of muscle and some extra flab then it's alot easier. For the exercise part you're going to want to do cardio out the wazoo....aerobics and running are the best. For lifting you want to go for the lean muscle so more reps at lower weight. I never give out diet advice though just because everyone is different. I would go to a family physician (or if your current college has a free health service for students) and have an actual doctor give you nutrition advice on the safest diet for you. One last bit of unsolicited advice. If the squad you're going to is all-girls then obviously you have alot of experience. If it's coed then you'er going to want to grab up a guy ASAP and start stunting. Nothing substitutes for that.