Expert: Kimmi - 6/23/2008

Question
okay, so i want to try out for my team, but I'm one of those girls who always gets picked on for the way i look or the things i do and i'm afraid people may make fun of me and tell me i don't belong, i REALLY want to make the team next year in ninth grade, and i always have wanted to, so i really don't know what to do in a situation like this!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer
Hi Marissa,

   Well, as they say - the best defense is a good offense - so the best advice I can give you is to be prepared for your tryouts. Get into tumbling classes now and start working on that. Start conditioning every day. Put together a routine with different exercises like pushups, v-ups, squats, stabilizers, and lots and lots of stretching. You can search conditioning routines on the internet. Conditioning will help you build strength so that you can tumble and cheer.
   Next, find a friend who cheers, if possible and ask her to help you learn the motions and jumps. If this doesn't work, you can get into a cheer class at your park district, YMCA, or local cheer gym. If these don't work either, you can research motions and jumps on the internet.
   If you learn these things before tryouts, then you'll be prepared and no one will be able to say a word to you about your cheer skills.    
   On a more personal note - we're all different and special in our own unique ways. Don't listen to the petty things people your age say. If you want to cheer, then you DO belong and you have every right to do it. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want - ever. Good, good luck!! Please let me know how it goes!

Happy Cheering!
Kimmi