Expert: Kimmi - 12/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: I'm in the 10th grade and tryouts are in late march. i want to try out for varsity but i can't do my splits, toe touches, heel stretches, scorpions, etc., and my jumps have no height. i can't seem to do a back bend correctly, i always go down to fast and fall down. should i just give up on trying out or are there some things i can do to fix my problems. and i can't go to a tumbling class.

ANSWER: Hi Deborah,

   Of course you shouldn't give up! If you want to cheer, then do the best you can to get there! For all of these things: splits, toe touches, heel stretches, scorps the key is stretching. Stretch all the time, day and night. Anytime you have a spare moment - stretch. Watching TV- stretch. Any and all stretches are great. Split stretches are awesome. The more you stretch, the faster these things will come.
  As to your backbend, sounds like you don't have enough control in your back going down - stretching will help that, and then falling down sounds like strength in your shoulders, start doing pushups to strengthen them.
   I'm curious as to why you can't go to a tumbling class. Will you write back to me and tell me why? Maybe I can help you come up with an acceptable alternative. Good Luck! Hope to hear from you soon.
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: well, right now my parents are working a lot and really don't have the time to drop me off and pick me up since most classes are only an hour and they won't let me ride with someone else. besides, finances are pretty tight right now and even though tumbling classes aren't very expensive, it would just put an extra financial burden on them right now.

Answer
Hi Deborah,

   Ok, that is very understandable. The next best thing for tumbling is to see if there is something you could do at school like tumbling team, gymnastics, or where the cheelreaders go to tumble and see if you can tag along for free. That might be an ok option for your parents. Otherwise try to hook up with a friend who might be willing to work with you on tumbling. Otherwise, just focus on the other things I told you and tumbling can be worked on when you make the squad. Good Luck!
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi