Ashley Evans

by Danielle Donovan | Mar 11, 2018 | Ambassador

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right“

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: ANALLA MOORE

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 am a plus size athlete who may struggle to tumble but my strength has always been my greatest asset. I have always wanted to partner stunt and 3 months ago I asked to take lessons and to my surprise, my gym owners and coach were super supportive of my goals. I have an amazing flyer who trusts me and I am blessed to have continued support from my gym, teammates, and family.

II have been given a platform to advocate for the larger stronger athlete that is often times overlooked.

I have been given a platform to advocate for the larger stronger athlete that is often times overlooked or dismissed and here to change what an individuals perception of what is an ideal cheerleader is. I am Ashley and I am #CHEERFITSTRONG <3

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

I have been given the opportunity by Rebel Athletic to be a Rebel Senior Model and be featured as a larger athlete in their campaigns, Gianna and I were able to compete as a Junior Level Stunt Duo and we placed first!!! I am always learning and growing accomplishments happen daily little by little I am reaching my goal.

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

CHEERFIT has helped me build confidence in myself. It is helping me build core strength making my stunting stronger and helping with endurance.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

The sense of community, the love each ambassador has for one another regardless of size.

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

If you are looking for a community full of love, support, and insightful tools into how to make yourself better, CHEERFIT is the place for you

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Hairspray, snacks, and cozy sweats

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

I like to do Burpees for conditioning

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you will be criticized anyways~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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

I really just want to inspire all athletes regardless of their shape, size, ethnicities or gender orientation to be proud of who they and as each one of us was created special, and know they do not struggle alone in their daily life.

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!

The Best Flexibility Exercises to Improve Your Jumps

by Danielle Donovan | Mar 7, 2018 | Workout Wednesday

FLEXIBILITY FOR JUMPS WORKOUT

The #1 way to improve your flexibility in your jumps is to focus on building that hip flexor mobility, lower body flexibility, and power! Whether you are looking to improve technique, jump height, or take your jumps to the next level…you want to focus on these 3 areas. We designed this workout….JUST FOR YOU and your cheer needs.Complete each exercise for 12 reps x 3 rounds.! We can’t wait to see you check in on Instagram & the CHEERFIT Community! Upload your workout selfie and tag @cheerfittraining #CHEERFITSTRONG

EXERCISE 1: JUMP SQUATS

FOCUS AREA: quads & cardio

EXERCISE 2: HAMSTRING LEG LIFTS

FOCUS AREA: core & hamstring flexibility

EXERCISE 3: SIDE LUNGE TO A KICK

FOCUS AREA: quads, hamstrings, & core

EXERCISE 4: BICYCLE CRUNCHES

FOCUS AREA: core

Maddy Reyes

by Danielle Donovan | Mar 4, 2018 | Ambassador

“You can. End of Story.“

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MADDY REYES

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 was born with a complex heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot. I’ve had open heart surgery and will have at least one more surgery in the future on my pulmonary valve. I share my heart journey on many social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. I’m a social media ambassador for the American Heart Association. I have never let my heart condition slow me down! I am a level 5 cheerleader and also dance and run cross country. I work hard at home to improve my fitness, endurance and flexibility for my sports.

I have never let my heart condition slow me down!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Maddy Reyes

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

I lead a team every year at the Puget Sound AHA Heart Walk to raise money for heart disease research. I also love working with younger kids and volunteer assisting teaching Sunday School and as a Program Aide at Girl Scout Camp with K-1 kids. I’m working on a project right now collecting children’s shoes for kids in need in my community.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I like the exercises and daily motivation.

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

It is a great way to inspire you to work daily on improving your fitness to reach your goals.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

First aid kit (I’m CPR and first aid certified! )
Cheer Bow
A matching cheer outfit (I always plan ahead the night before practice)

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

Crazy Kids

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Planks

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“You can. End of Story.”

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

I am 13 but people usually think I am a lot younger!

My favorite type of dance is tap.

I love cats!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

March CHEERFIT Challenge

by Danielle Donovan | Mar 1, 2018 | Challenge

YOUR #CHEERFITSTRONG CHALLENGE

HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR #CHEERFITSTRONG ON

CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR DAILY ACTION PLAN. EACH WEEK = MORE REPS!

DON’T FORGET TO ROCK YOUR #CHEERFITSTRONG BANDS WHILE DOING THE CHALLENGE

GET THE BANDS

HOW IT WORKS

Complete the # of reps each day of your daily exercises
Check in every Saturday for your bonus #cheerfitchallenge
Get featured by posting your results, workout pics, and videos @cheerfittraining, using the hashtag #cheerfitchallenge
Don’t forget to challenge your friends, teammates, and coaches by tagging them too!

YOUR DAILY CHEERFIT CHALLENGE EXERCISES

DAILY EXERCISE #1: INCHWORM PUSHUPS

FOCUS AREA: SHOULDERS, CORE, CHEST, HAMSTRINGS, FLEXIBILITY

DAILY EXERCISE #2: BURPEES

FOCUS AREA: TOTAL BODY

DAILY EXERCISE #3: MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

FOCUS AREA: SHOULDERS, CORE, CARDIO

DAILY EXERCISE #4: NEGATIVE CRUNCHES

FOCUS AREA: CORE

NOW ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR BONUS #CHEERFITCHALLENGES OR WHAT????

CHECK IN EVERY SATURDAY FOR A NEW BONUS CHEERFIT CHALLENGE! GIVE THE CHALLENGE A TRY AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU DID BY POSTING A PIC / VIDEO ON IG @CHEERFITTRAINING & HASHTAG #CHEERFITCHALLENGE

CHALLENGE #1: HOW MANYPLANK PUSHUPS CAN YOU DO IN 60 SECONDS?

FOCUS AREA: SHOULDERS, CORE

CHALLENGE #2: HOW MANY TUCK JUMPS CAN YOU DO IN 60 SECONDS?

FOCUS AREA: QUADS & CARDIO

CHALLENGE #3: HOW MANY TURKSISH GET UPS CAN YOU DO IN 60 SECONDS?

FOCUS AREA:CORE, CARDIO, TOTAL BODY

CHALLENGE #4: HOW MANY TURBO LUNGES CAN YOU DO IN 60 SECONDS?

FOCUS AREA: QUADS & CARDIO

CHALLENGE #4: HOW MANY BICYCLE CRUNCHES CAN YOU DO IN 60 SECONDS?

FOCUS AREA: CORE

SHARE YOUR WORKOUT PICS @CHEERFITTRAINING ON IG AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU DID! TAG US FOR A FEATURE!

LOVING THIS WORKOUT AND WANT EVEN MORE?? BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR

CRUSH Your Mental Block with These Top Tips

by Danielle Donovan | Feb 28, 2018 | Workout Wednesday

CRUSH THE MENTAL BLOCK

Today we are chatting about mental blocks..and HOW TO CRUSH THEM! We know, mental blocks are oh so frustrating and just plain old annoying!! There are a ton of reasons why we get them, but today we are focusing on how to CRUSH THEM! Today’s workout gives you the physical strength and confidence boost you need to say GOODBYE mental blocks..see you again NEVER! Ready for it?? Complete each exercise for 60 seconds reps, repeat 3 rounds. We can’t wait to see you check in on Instagram & the CHEERFIT Community! Upload your workout selfie and tag @cheerfittraining #CHEERFITSTRONG

EXERCISE 1: MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

FOCUS AREA: shoulder, core & MENTALstrengtht

EXERCISE 2: BURPEES

FOCUS AREA: total body

EXERCISE 3: SIDE LUNGE KICK

FOCUS AREA: legs & cardio

EXERCISE 4: SUPERMAN V-UPS

FOCUS AREA: core & lower back

Your Answer to Higher Jumps

by Danielle Donovan | Feb 22, 2018 | Fit tips, free, Parents Corner

Jumps… ahhh. You know that dreading feeling you get when it’s time to do the jump section over and over and over and over? Not anymore! Now is the time to embrace them! Having good jumps can definitely set your cheerleader apart from the rest of the pack. As the fitness expert for cheerleaders, I am here to give my tips and dispel some common rumors I hear about jumps.

Here are my top 5 things to know about jumps (that you wish you knew before)!

TIP 1: EMBRACE TECHNIQUE

Never sacrifice height in your jump for your technique. Drilling technique constantly will not only make a big difference now, but also as your jumps get higher, you will be able to hyperextend by already having mastered the basics! Here is a great exercise to help you embrace technique and strengthen your legs so that you CAN jump higher!

TIP 2: FLEXIBILITY ISN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWER

Many of us may be under the impression that flexibility is the only contributing factor to jump height. While flexibility can help your jumps and stretching should never be devalued, hip flexor strength is VITAL to how high you can bring your legs. Think about it like your hips having the ability to lift your legs all the way up into your jump. Here is one of my personal favorite exercises to strengthen your hip flexors! Do 10 reps each side x 3 rounds

TIP 3: YOUR SET IS IMPORTANT

Don’t discount this part of your jump. Especially when you are going to be connecting your jumps, make sure you’re are squeezing and tight in your set. Also, don’t let your feet leave the ground in your set, that slows your momentum and lessens your jump height. Making purposeful set will make transitioning in your connecting jumps and breeze and blow your coaches away!

TIP 4: YOUR LANDING IS JUST AS IMPORTANT

For the same reasons the set is important, connecting jump sequences depend on good landings. Landing on your heels is a sure way to give you premature back pain and no fluidity in your sequence. Land on the balls of your feet for good take off into the next jump or tumbling and soft landings!

TIP 5: STAY POSITIVE

Last but not least, stay positive! This goes for everything in life, but especially cheerleading! Cheerleading is a sport built on perfectionism, but here at CHEERFIT, we focus on building confidence every step of the way! Your cheerleader is never going to hit it perfect the first time, nor should they! Skills come AND last when you build the foundation first! When you have a solid foundation and strengthen the muscles you need to power up those jumps, your cheerleader’s jumps umps will continue to advance and their confidence will continue to soar! Who is with us on that one? I that’s a YES, check out what being a CHEERFIT Ambassador is all about (www.cheerfittraining.com/join).

A lot of what CHEERFIT promotes is positivity and being a role model to your teammates and beyond. If your child’s teammates see that they are loving jumps and having fun, it will encourage them to work hard as well!

Loving these exercises and feeling CHEERFIT STRONG??

And there you have it, my top 5 tips to help your cheerleader get HIGHER JUMPS in 3,2,1…GO! Let me know your favorite tip 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 Increase Your Jump Height

by Danielle Donovan | Feb 21, 2018 | Workout Wednesday

IMPROVE YOUR JUMP HEIGHT

Ohhhh jumps…we all want to improve that jump height and make that toe touch b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l, right?? Well you are in luck because we are focusing on how! You see, you want to focus on plyometric exercise (aks jumping exercises) that give you the lower body strength and power boost you need to get that extra air time in those jumps. Each exercise is specifically chosen to give you the most amount of power in just 4 short moves! Join us to get your #cheerfitstorng on and complete each exercise 12 reps. **for an extra challenge, try adding weights on your ankles..whoa! We can’t wait to see you check in on Instagram & the CHEERFIT Community! Upload your workout selfie and tag @cheerfittraining #CHEERFITSTRONG