Expert: Kimmi - 10/9/2007

Question
Hey, my friends say I should try out for cheerleading this year in the spring. But I'm all for it except my weight. I'm a slightly over weight kid and I want to lose all this fat and I'm only in the 6th grade. I'm wondering what kind of workouts I should do and what to eat. My moms also worried so please answer this please!

Answer
Hi Kacee,

   Congrats on wanting to be a cheerleader! But, before you get caught up in the stereotypes, remember it takes all kinds of people to make up a cheerleading team, not just stick thin girls. If you've spoken with your mom and together you've decided you should workout, then more power to you for taking the initiative to make yourself a better athlete. I don't like dieting so I will never tell you to diet. You know that you shouldn't eat tons of junk food, but you're a kid and junk food is ok in moderation. The real key to being a better athlete is working out. Gaining muscle is always better than just being skinny. The best workout to can give yourself is a healthy one. The easiest thing to do first off is make sure you spend some time outside every day, well, at least till it gets too cold. Play with friends, run around, ride your bike, jump rope etc. These are great cardio exercises that you can have fun doing! Otherwise, first and foremost work on exercises that build your core (tummy) muscles. These muscles control alot of what your entire body does, so you need them to be strong, especially in cheerleading. You can work on these with sit-ups, crunches, v-ups, straddle-ups, etc. Other great exercises for other parts of your body include push-up and lifting weights for your arms. Squats, leg lifts, biking, and stairs for your legs. My best advice to you is get outside and play while exercising, you'll get to act like a kid, and pretty soon you'll see yourself getting stronger and stronger. Good Luck. Let me know how it goes!
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi