Mariah Hutton

by Danielle Donovan | Jan 19, 2019 | Ambassador

“Hard work and Dedication Pays off!”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MARIAH HUTTON

The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Mariah was born with spirit in her eyes. she started tumbling around the house and walking on the edge of couches and doing splits when she was a three year old. She just couldn’t stop. My older son (13 year old now) had been playing little league football so I went ahead and put her in cheer for his team as their little mascot. She learned pretty quickly and fell in love with it. She did that for tow years and a friend introduced me to Cheer Eclipse. I didn’t know much about competitive cheer at the time. Her dad and I took her to open gym and a meeting. She was six years old by then and was teaching herself how to do a back bend. She was there for open gym for two hours and by the time we left she was doing a back bend walkover. The owner was pretty impressed and asked me to bring her to a class and it went from there. She has now been with Cheer Eclipse for 3 seasons going on 4. She is a flyer and helps base at times. She is such a leader and an inspiration to others. Mariah started doing heel stretches and scorpions at a young age and we didn’t really know the names of them at the time, she learned by watching on TV and watching the older girls. She was able to get her full straight Scorpion by her 2nd season of cheer.

Cheer is her life and her passion, even on her off days, she still is working on something at home.

Mariah is a perfectionist so anything she tries, she will not stop until she succeeds. Mariah is always full of fun, sass and spunk. She is super outgoing and she cares so deeply for others that if they are sad, she is sad. Cheer is her life and her passion, even on her off days, she still is working on something at home. Mariah didn’t have any issues as a young child, so we don’t really have a struggle as of now. There was a time when she first started at Cheer Eclipse she was only 1 of 2 minorities on her squad at the time so she went through an “insecurity” phase and wondered why her hair was different or why her skin color was different. There was nothing bad that had happened to her, she is a very detailed person and pays attention to everything so I think it’s something she noticed on her own. The girls there never made her feel bad, they have always made her feel welcome and part of the team and loved. They are family, they are “cheer sisters”. I’m honestly not sure why she went through this, but she did. I had to constantly talk to her to let her know she should love who she is and what she looks like no matter what her hair looks like and her skin color. Eventually she overcame that and gained her confidence again. Mariah now has more confidence than I have ever seen and she loves who she is and owns it. I am Mariah’s biggest cheerleader and she is not only an inspiration to others, she is my inspiration as well!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Mariah Hutton

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

Mariah did work hard at getting her scorpion to be straight and her jumps high and legs straight. She has also worked really hard on her tumbling and getting her Back handspring. She’s recently completed a full series and is super proud of herself as am I. Mariah’s words,”mom, i’m super proud of my back hand spring series!”

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

Mariah’s words: “Since I have had to help base this season more than usual, the CHEERFIT workouts have helped me with my strength and endurance. I have gained more confidence than ever and look mom, i’ve got a sixpack!” “Being a base and using my strength from the CHEERFIT workouts have also made me work hard at my flying skills and stretching. I love the CHEERFIT flyer workouts too, I even get my mom to do some of these workouts with me.” Being a better flyer will help my bases at their job also. I will continue to do these workouts daily!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

My favorite part of being a CHEERFIT Ambassador is being a part of a community of leaders who truly love what they do and who lift each other up and inspire each other. I love how we can all give each other advise to help with whatever skill we are working on. I love how it’s a mixture of girls and boys and that we are all on the same team.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I would tell them they would be joining an amazing team and we’re not only a team, we are a family! I would tell them they would be uplifted and become stronger not only on the outside but on the inside as well. I would tell them they would be making the best decision ever!

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

hmmm… lots of bows hanging on my bag.
1. my bow box
2. lip gloss and lotion, you can’t go anywhere without those two things
3. tissues and hand sanitizer.

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

I love anything Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

I love lots of crunches and anything that helps the abs.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Hard work and Dedication Pays off!”

My brother’s basketball coach used to say that all the time and it just is the quote that me and my bother and parents all use daily!

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

I can wrap my legs around my neck and walk around on my hands. It grosses my mom out haha. I like to play soccer, too. I’m in the 3rd grade, but I work on 4th grade math and 5th grade reading. My teachers use me to help teach other kids, which I love to do. I love to teach and help others. My teachers told my mom that I have the highest scores out of all of the 3rd grade class in my school. I have an older brother who plays basketball and he’s 13. I love my mom and dad so much! I have 2 dogs named Toby and Tara and they are my babies. I love to spend time with my friends and play outside. Yes Cheer, tumbling, dance are my life and I love them, but I also love to just be a kid and run around acting crazy. I actually love watching the news with my mom even at 9 yrs old and I love to watch 20/20. I love to be in front of the camera, not behind it and I love to take Selfies, Sing and Dance all around the house. I want to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and be a Veterinarian. I love being a part of the CHEERFIT family and being a CHEERFIT Ambassador!

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

Loving these fit tips and motivation? Become a CHEERFIT Ambassador and get instant access to the CHEERFIT Ambassador Club, exclusive content, CHEERFIT updates, and ambassador-only giveaways. Start your journey today!

Madison Dorph

by Danielle Donovan | Dec 1, 2018 | Ambassador, Blog

“Earn the Trophy at the Gym and Pick it Up at the Competition”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MADISON DORPH

The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Friday, February 24, 2017, Madison was at a tumble clinic at her gym with the one and only tumble doctor (Alvin Davis). It was her first season of cheer and she was motivated as ever to get her back handspring. The night was going great until the last 5 minutes of the clinic. Out of the blue you heard a scream and she was coming up from the floor holding her arm. We knew right away it was broken but didn’t know how bad. We went to the ER and found out both her ulna and radius were broken. Thankfully the doctors were great and was able to snap her arm back into place and no surgery was needed!

The NEXT day she was back in the SAME tumble clinic to come watch. She told Alvin she’d be back and to watch out for her. For the rest of the season she went to every. single. practice and competition. She became Coach Madison. She worked out and stretched as much as possible, not letting a broken arm stop her.

April 13th she got her cast off and May 6th she was back on the mat competing in the last competition of the season.

She had to work and build up ALL her strength again. She worked day and night to get even better than she was before she broke her arm.

She had to work and build up ALL her strength again. She worked day and night to get even better than she was before she broke her arm. She became a member of the Residents program with the Tumble Doctor. 4 hours of practice for 10 weeks straight. Not once did she say she couldn’t do something.

October 21st 2017 She accomplished her first goal! She built up enough strength and technique to do her back handspring on the tumble track all by herself. Some may see it as small victories but for her situation it was HUGE! Next was the floor! She continued to work day in and day out to keep building up the muscle needed to keep her tumbling moving forward!

February 3rd and 4th 2018 she finally had the technique and strength to throw her handsprings (standing and running) on the floor. That day was one of the best days of her life!

Now she continues to work on building strength so she can perfect her handsprings and work on the next skills to come her way!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Madison Dorph

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

Overcoming an injury
Being apart of the Residents program

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

I have learned to never give up. I have learned that even when your day is not going as planned someone may have it worse than you do. If you want to accomplish your goals then you need to put forth the effort. Don’t sit around and say I can’t. Get up and do it!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I love the motivation it gives me to work out. Working out now isn’t just about doing to exercises. It’s about having fun while you do them and helping other achieve their goal as well!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

Do it! Don’t sit around and think about “what if I did it” I’m here for you and can help you and walk you through everything! Having a buddy to do it with is easier than doing it alone! Being a leader and motivator is such a great feeling! I love to see people succeed and can’t wait to keep succeeding myself

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Makeup, water, bows

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

Disney songs

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Inchworm push-ups / leg lifts and in and out crunches

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Earn the trophy at the gym and pick it up at the competition”

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

I have a little sister who is 4 and also in cheer.
I have two dogs, Penny the chihuahua and Otis the french bulldog.
I am also an all star dancer.
I’m at the gym 5 out of the 7 nights of the week.

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

Loving these fit tips and motivation? Become a CHEERFIT Ambassador and get instant access to the CHEERFIT Ambassador Club, exclusive content, CHEERFIT updates, and ambassador-only giveaways. Start your journey today!

5 Reasons Your Cheerleader is Not Hitting Their Stunts

by Danielle Donovan | Nov 8, 2018 | Blog, Parents Corner

We know your cheerleader has all the passion and heart in the world, and there is nothing worse than seeing your daughter/son give it 110%, but still not hitting that stunt. Instead of cringing at every competition, we’ve got the tips and tools to help you help them!

Now, a few reasons your cheerleaders are not hitting their stunts are:

Lack of core strength
Poor body control
Weak stunt group
Not strengthening the right muscles
Poor general awareness of the body during skills

BUT here is how to help!

1. LACK OF CORE STRENGTH

Your core is the most fundamental body part o to strengthen for all cheerleaders yet it is the easiest one to get wrong. Many people do not know this, but your core is not just your abs…your core is your entire trunk area: back, front, and sides. It’s the entire region between your shoulders and hips.

Crunches do not give you core strength, CORE exercises do!

2. POOR BODY CONTROL

In order for your cheerleader stick those stunts and have proper body control, she needs a strong core! Again your core is EVERYTHING! Here is an exercise fav’! It’s a bit of a challenge, but oh so worth it! Give it a try, start off 1-5 reps and then build up to 10 reps x 2 rounds! Get ready for TOTAL body control!

3. PART OF A WEAKER STUNT GROUP

I know, sometimes your cheerleader is rocking it, but her stunt group is not. Instead of getting frustrated, help her help her stunt group with CHEERFIT exercises that they can do together! Empower her group to do some of our favorite cheer workouts to help build upper body strength, endurance, and body control. By doing this together they will inspire each other, motivate each other, and HIT THOSE STUNTS! Here are our fav’ total body exercises.

4. NOT STRENGTHENING THE RIGHT MUSCLES

Cheerleading is very different than any other sport! Your child is not throwing a basketball, they are throwing a person, defying gravity, tumbling in the air, and pushing their bodies to the limits! Cheerleading today is NOT what it used to be and we need to condition our bodies to keep up at this level!

Instead of wasting time trying to figure out exercises, book a 1-on-1 COACHING CALL with fitness expert Danielle Donovan! Together on this call, you discuss your cheerleaders goals, challenges, questions and Danielle will provide you with customized advice and an actionable plan specific to YOUR cheerleader!

CHECK IT OUT

5. POOR GENERAL AWARENESS OF BODY DURING SKILLS

I promise fitness is your answer! Cheerleaders need fitness to build confidence, core strength and advance their skills. The stronger and more aware your cheerleader is of their body, the more controlled their stunts will be! Focus on core strengthening exercises and your cheerleader will be able to fix any shaky stunt, lock out in single leg stunts, and hit ZERO!

Let us know your favorite tip and how this goes!

As you can see, yo do not need to nor should you be stretching every day for hours at a time. Yes, I said it! What I want you guys to do is STRENGTHEN the muscles instead. So swap out 2 or your stretching days this week with this CHEERFIT workout and let me know how it goes! And if you want, even more, we’ve got tons of flexibility workouts and confidence boosting tips waiting for ya in the CHEERFIT Club !!

And there you have it, my top 3 exercises… to help your cheerleader advance FLEXIBILITY & CONFIDENCE in 3,2,1…GO! Let me know your favorite tip, and share your confidence boosting tips in the comments below!

DANIELLE DONOVAN

is the go-to fitness expert for the cheerleading industry and founder of CHEERFIT (www.cheerfittraining.com). Danielle holds national fitness certifications through the American Council on Exercise and specializes in sports conditioning, youth fitness, and group fitness as it pertains specifically to cheerleaders. Danielle has been featured on NBC,Inside Cheerleading Magazine, FITNESS Magazine, Livestrong, Yahoo Beauty, NY Post, American Cheerleader Magazine and more. Through fitness, Danielle focuses on helping cheerleaders build the confidence, strength, and flexibility they need to reach their goals and prevent injury.

The 6 Secrets to a Strong Core & Cheer Abs

by Danielle Donovan | Nov 2, 2018 | Blog, Cheer tips, Parents Corner

Are you ready for my ultimate cheer fitness tip??

TIP #1: LESS IS MORE!

That’s right, this insider secret will save your cheerleader so much time! No more wasting precious time doing crunch after crunch after crunch! Say it with us, less IS more!

To sculpt those cheer abs and strengthen your core, do each exercise for ONLY 10 reps! I want you to go super S-L-O-W through each exercise. I promise, less is more and by going slowly through each movement you will feel those muscles working and get in an insanely better workout!

TIP #2: DO CORE EXERCISES – NOT CRUNCHES

Instead of doing crunch after crunch (which only works your upper abdominals) you want to instead focus on CORE STRENGTHENING exercises that work your entire abdominal area.

This will help your cheerleader gain body control, strength, and stability.

TIP #3: OUR FAVORITE CORE EXERCISE

OBLIQUE TWISTS

Why this exercise is awesome: it works it ALL – core, obliques, body control, balance, and stability!

TIP #4: ANOTHER FAVORITE CORE EXERCISE

LEG LIFTS

Why this exercise is awesome: This exercise again works your entire core and gives your cheerleader the strength she needs to build a strong core ..aka the foundation of every cheer skill!

TIP #5: THE GOLDEN RULE

Your core comes first!!! If you want to build strength in ANYTHING, you NEED to focus on your core strength! Parents, we suggest doing these exercises with your cheerleader to help inspire them, and hey you’ll get in a great workout too! Say it with us, win- WIN!

TIP #6: SWITCH IT UP

You want to be switching up your workout routine and incorporating different core exercises so that your athlete does not hit a plateau and nor get bored.

Need some help coming up with new workouts and exercise plans each week?

Join us to become a CHEERFIT Ambassador!

As an Ambassador you and your cheerleader will get access to hundreds of cheer workouts, fit tips, motivation, have a community to encourage you along the way AND get in on special perks like meet-ups, giveaways, media features and more!

As an Ambassador you and your cheerleader will get access to hundreds of cheer workouts, fit tips, motivation, have a community to encourage you along the way AND get in on special perks like meet-ups, giveaways, media features and more!

LEARN MORE

And there you have it, The 6 Secrets to a Strong Core & Cheer Abs in 3,2,1…GO! Let me know your favorite tip, and share your fitness tips in the comments below!

DANIELLE DONOVAN

is the go-to fitness expert for the cheerleading industry and founder of CHEERFIT (www.cheerfittraining.com). Danielle holds national fitness certifications through the American Council on Exercise and specializes in sports conditioning, youth fitness, and group fitness as it pertains specifically to cheerleaders. Danielle has been featured on NBC,Inside Cheerleading Magazine, FITNESS Magazine, Livestrong, Yahoo Beauty, NY Post, American Cheerleader Magazine and more. Through fitness, Danielle focuses on helping cheerleaders build the confidence, strength, and flexibility they need to reach their goals and prevent injury.

Mya Stoudinger

by Danielle Donovan | Nov 1, 2018 | Ambassador

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MYA STOUDINGER

The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Everything I learned, like how to stretch and how to stay motivated has helped me become more flexible. I have been able to get stronger as I kept working hard to reach my goals.

“I am who I am because I worked hard and stayed motivated to accomplish my goals.”

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Mya Stoudinger

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

Some of my accomplishments are reaching my goals of getting my heel stretch, scorpion, and my back handspring back tuck!

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

Being a CHEERFIT Ambassador has helped me reach my goals by encouraging me to stretch more. It has also helped by helping me become more confident as a flyer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

To encourage people to do more. I also enjoy it because it helps me become confident and that I can accomplish anything!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I would tell other people that it’s worth it and that they will be able to accomplish anything.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Shoes water and hair ties

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

Drippin

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Push-ups

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before. ” – Bonnie Blair

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

Being a CHEERFIT Ambassador has also helped me improve in Softball, too. I have become a stronger catcher!

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

Loving these fit tips and motivation? Become a CHEERFIT Ambassador and get instant access to the CHEERFIT Ambassador Club, exclusive content, CHEERFIT updates, and ambassador-only giveaways. Start your journey today!

3 Tips to Advance Flexibility & Rock Confidence with CHEERFIT

by Danielle Donovan | Nov 1, 2018 | Blog, Fit tips, Parents Corner

Hey from CHEERFIT! My name is Danielle! I am the fitness expert for cheerleaders and I’ve got 3 tips to help you advance flexibility, rock confidence, and have the most amazing cheer season ever! Ready for it….

TIP #1: MINDSET IS EVERYTHING

Say it with us, “I can and I will”! With the right mindset, anything is possible! Write down your goals, tell yourself you CAN, and repeat your goals (to yourself or out loud) every night before you go to sleep. If you believe it you will ACHIEVE it! #cheerfitstrong

TIP #2: FITNESS BUILDS STRENGTH, STRENGTH BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Here at CHEERFIT, we are all about helping you reach your goals and stay motivated through fitness! Today, I am sharing my favorite CHEERFIT Workout that will help you improve flexibility and rock confidence all season long! Complete each exercise for 3 rounds and share your workout pics on Insta @cheerfittraining

TIP #3: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE THAT LIFT YOU UP

If you surround yourself with people that encourage you, support you, lift you up, and cheer you on..you will be UNSTOPPABLE! Remember, we rise by lifting others up! Next time at you’re at practice, simply smile to the teammate across from you. Tell them you’ve noticed their hard work and let them know how amazing they are! You’ll both feel amazing! Need a tribe to lift you up? We’d love to invite you to join us and become a CHEERFIT Ambassador! You’ll be instantly welcomed into the CHEERFIT fam’ and get access to the community, hundreds of cheer workouts, motivation, fit tips and more! www.cheerfittraining.com/join

And there you have it, my top 3 exercises… to help your cheerleader Advance FLEXIBILITY & Rock CONFIDENCE in 3,2,1…GO! Let me know your favorite tip, and share your confidence boosting tips in the comments below!

DANIELLE DONOVAN

is the go-to fitness expert for the cheerleading industry and founder of CHEERFIT (www.cheerfittraining.com). Danielle holds national fitness certifications through the American Council on Exercise and specializes in sports conditioning, youth fitness, and group fitness as it pertains specifically to cheerleaders. Danielle has been featured on NBC,Inside Cheerleading Magazine, FITNESS Magazine, Livestrong, Yahoo Beauty, NY Post, American Cheerleader Magazine and more. Through fitness, Danielle focuses on helping cheerleaders build the confidence, strength, and flexibility they need to reach their goals and prevent injury.

Madalynn Hodges

by Danielle Donovan | Oct 1, 2018 | Ambassador

“Open your mind before your mouth”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MADALYNN HODGES

The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I’ve learned that nothing is promised. That one day the thing you love can be gone. So you have to fight for it. You have to work for it. And most importantly, you have to always love and respect it. Even on bad days. That thing for me is cheerleading. I remember thinking that I’d never cheer again, but my friends and family sent so many messages and words of encouragement. I knew that it was going to be a struggle, but that it would be worth it.

I remember thinking that I’d never cheer again…

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Madalynn Hodges

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

I’m academically ranked in the top 5% of the nation. The hard work I put in inside of the classroom is the reason that I’m allowed to cheer. I have also won multiple state and national championships with my cheer teams!

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

Being CHEERFIT is more than just a phrase. It’s a mindset. It’s waking up everyday knowing that there is someone else that’s working just as hard as you are. Knowing that person has the same goals as you, and being willing to put in the work to be the best you possible. Not just to be better than the other person, but to earn and embody CHEERFIT on and off the mat. So, I guess what I am saying is, being a CHEERFIT Ambassador has given me determination, strength, & resilience.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

The CHEERFIT Family

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

Anything easy isn’t worth having, and Anything worth having doesn’t come easy. You have to work hard and love what you’re doing. If that is you, then you’ve come to the right place.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

My PinupPony, My uniform, and a stuffed animal for luck!

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

Cardi B “I like it”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Dancing

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Open your mind before your mouth.”

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

Never forget to love yourself and be kind to each other. You never know how much someone else may need your kindness.

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

Loving these fit tips and motivation? Become a CHEERFIT Ambassador and get instant access to the CHEERFIT Ambassador Club, exclusive content, CHEERFIT updates, and ambassador-only giveaways. Start your journey today!

How to make Confidence your Super Power

by Danielle Donovan | Sep 21, 2018 | Blog, Cheer tips, Fit tips, free, Parents Corner

Self confidence is a super power. Once you start believing in yourself, magic starts happening.”Confidence plays a huge role in all aspects of cheerleading. I have always believed that cheerleading is 25% physical and 75% mental. Here are some tips I have to help you stay confident.

PRACTICE BEFORE PRACTICE

As many of you know, I have been battling a mental block for about two years and still am today. Just like in everyday life, we have good and bad practices as cheerleaders. It is so easy for me to get in my head after just one skill goes wrong. One of the things my coach tells me is that you physically cannot forget how to do a skill in a day or even a week. The first time is always the hardest, get it out of the way and you will be fine! One thing that helps me is coming in early to throw a few passes before practice. This gives me time to warm myself up slowly and get my nerves out.

STOP COMPARING

One of the top tips I can give you is to stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns at a different pace. It is easy to get discouraged when you see your teammates working on a harder skill than you. You have to remember that a team is like a puzzle. Everyone has different strengths and brings something special to the team!

STAY POSITIVE

Positivity is key! I am my biggest critic in everything I do. This can be a little bit of a problem when it comes to cheer. Not every skill you throw is going to be perfect and that is ok. Part of the learning process as an athlete is making mistakes. You cannot let the fear of failure hold you back. Take a deep breath inhale confidence, exhale doubt and go for it! Chances are you don’t give yourself enough credit, the only one holding you back is you.

Ever since I became a CHEERFIT ambassador, the support from Danielle and my CHEERFIT family has been endless! Connecting with athletes that are going through the same thing that I am has been so helpful to me. Just knowing that you are not alone on this journey and that other cheerleaders have experienced the same thing and come out stronger is so amazing! One of the biggest lessons I have learned through my years of cheerleading is that confidence fuels dreams. Once you believe in yourself and your skills, anything is possible!

Ready to make this season the best, most confident yet? Join us and become part of the CHEERFIT Family!

BELLE FABIAN

I am sixteen years old and live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am going on my seventh year as a competitive cheerleader and cheer at Cheer Extreme Charlotte.

Learn how to advance flexibility and rock confidence

by Danielle Donovan | Sep 16, 2018 | Blog, Fit tips, free, Parents Corner

Hey moms is there anything more frustrating than watching your daughter stretch F-O-R-E-V-E-R, and not seeing those results??? Hmm, no too much right?

Don’t worry, I am here to help!

We all know stretching is important, which is why for many of us, it is the go-to thing to do to advance your flexibility. But what if I told you stretching isn’t the only answer?!?! I know, you must think I am crazy, but hear me out. While, yes stretching is very important, it’s not the only way to advance your flexibility!!

Although you should be stretching..you do not need to be stretching every day for hours (or what feels like hours) at a time.

Here at CHEERFIT, we focus on STRENGTHENING the muscles your cheerleader needs to advance flexibility. Strengthening the muscles you need to improve flexibility will in turn help increase your cheerleader’s range of motion, allowing her to advance FLEXIBILITY, confidence, and prevent injury! A win, win, win across the board!

So let’s get to it! As the fitness expert for cheerleaders, I’ve got a bunch of exercises for you that will help your cheerleader strengthen their hamstrings, lower back, and hip flexors – the key areas that are worked when stretching. And I bet these are things you guys have never tried before. So instead of stretching, and stretching, and stretching..give these CHEERFIT exercises a try.

Hello CHEERFIT!

LOWER BACK FLEXIBILITY – Superman V-Up

This exercise will not only focus on improving your cheerleaders lower back, which helps increase flexibility, but also work on core strength and body control. All musts for flying with confidence! Go for 10 reps x 2 rounds, and do 2-3 times a week.

HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY – Single Leg Deadlift

Spoiler alert, this exercise is a MUST for any cheerleader! It focuses a majority on hamstrings, which again you NEED to strengthen to improve flexibility and increase range of motion, but also works technique, lower back, core and body control. To make the most of this exercise you need to make sure your cheerleader has proper form, so be sure to watch this video a few times with them and watch them as they do it to make sure they have the right form.

HIP FLEXOR FLEXIBILITY – Straddle Leg Lifts

If your cheerleader wants to increase their flexibility for stunting, tumbling or jumping..instead of sitting in splits and straddles forever, do this exercise! Another major area you want to focus on STRENGTHENING are your hip flexors! To increase flexibility your hip flexors need to be strong enough ..this will increase your range of motion AND improve flexibility!

As you can see, yo do not need to nor should you be stretching every day for hours at a time. Yes, I said it! What I want you guys to do is STRENGTHEN the muscles instead. So swap out 2 or your stretching days this week with this CHEERFIT workout and let me know how it goes! And if you want, even more, we’ve got tons of flexibility workouts and confidence boosting tips waiting for ya in the CHEERFIT Club !!

And there you have it, my top 3 exercises… to help your cheerleader advance FLEXIBILITY & CONFIDENCE in 3,2,1…GO! Let me know your favorite tip, and share your confidence boosting tips in the comments below!

DANIELLE DONOVAN

is the go-to fitness expert for the cheerleading industry and founder of CHEERFIT (www.cheerfittraining.com). Danielle holds national fitness certifications through the American Council on Exercise and specializes in sports conditioning, youth fitness, and group fitness as it pertains specifically to cheerleaders. Danielle has been featured on NBC,Inside Cheerleading Magazine, FITNESS Magazine, Livestrong, Yahoo Beauty, NY Post, American Cheerleader Magazine and more. Through fitness, Danielle focuses on helping cheerleaders build the confidence, strength, and flexibility they need to reach their goals and prevent injury.

How to Deal with being Pulled from Jumps, Tumbling, Stunt Sequence, etc.

by Danielle Donovan | Sep 14, 2018 | Blog, Fit tips, Parents Corner

Your child has spent weeks working on choreography. They are super proud of their positions. One day he/she is pulled from a section and they are totally bummed about it. What can you do as a parent? What should they do as an athlete?

Here are a 3 tips to help you get through what seems like such a traumatic experience.

1. UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS

There are so many different elements that coaches and choreographers review and analyze when making formations. Understand choreographers and coaches consider height, previous position on the mat, stunt group strengths, and overall team benefits. Try to remember the movement is for the advantage of the team as a unit. Not all changes are punishment or due to lack of skill. If you understand the process, you will have no problem accepting the change.

2. TURN INTO A POSITIVE

Not all changes are punishment or due to lack of skill. Remember that cheerleading is a team sport; moves are made to benefit the team. Look at the change as positively affecting the entire team, not as a negative for you as an individual. As a parent you can find positives to help your athlete deal as well. My oldest daughter was moved to the back row for the dance section of a, routine. Of course, she took that as she wasn’t dancing well. It took me letting her know that the row in front of her was on the floor while she was up showing excitement and dancing full-out. Find a positive to boost your athlete.

3. TAKE TIME TO WORK ON SKILLS

Ask the coaches where extra work may be needed; not necessarily to gain the spot back, but to progress in skill to become a better cheerleader. Sign up for private lessons. Private lessons are a great way to get individual help. They also help increase confidence. Having one on one time can help an athlete gain a better understanding of what is required to improve in a specific skill. Practice outside of team practice. Don’t wait until the team practice to work on skills. Team practice is usually already planned out by the coach. The athlete most likely wont even get a chance to work on an individual problem area. Take critique and apply. I always tell my athletes to not just say ok to the coach’s critique, but to apply it as well. You are sure to get positive results when you listen and adhere to feedback given to you.

COACH KELLI MARIN

Is owner and head coach Spirit Enhancers All Stars located in Portsmouth Va. Coach Kelli has been coaching for 17 years and gym owner for 11. She has received the “30 Under 30” coach of the year award awarded by Cheer ltd., top finalist for Ameri Cheer Coach of Year and 2016 choreography award recipient awarded by Eastern Cheer and Dance.