APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
You’re in for a treat today! Coach Brian Kula and Coach Kelcey Finn of Kula Sports Performance joined me for a conversation all about why strength training is important for cheer athletes, and how our cheerleaders can possibly prevent injuries and strengthen their bodies to further their skills.
Coach Brian has over 24 years of experience in coaching and sports performance, and has trained some of the top athletes in the world, including first-round NFL draft pick, Christian McCaffrey, as well as Olympic athletes.
Coach Kelcey worked as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Arkansas, and has worked with dozens of Olympic athletes, including Olympic-level gymnasts.
Coach Kula and Kelcey have developed a program specifically for cheerleaders, and they talk to me about how our athletes can strengthen their bodies and hopefully prevent injury.
My favorite part of the conversation? It’s when Coach Kula calls them, “athletes who cheer.”
*This is not medical advice and should not substitute for a conversation with your athlete’s doctor or medical professionals.*
WHY DO CHEER ATHLETES NEED ADDITIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING? ISN’T CONDITIONING ENOUGH?
The training that Kula does helps prevent injuries and maybe even helps cheer athletes to recover more quickly. It’s more than situps and squat holds, although conditioning during practice should not go away!
For example, the positions that flyers have to hold require flexibility in the hips, knees, spine, and shoulders. Strengthening bases and back spots helps them to hold the skills. The right strength training could be the difference between doing the sport mindlessly and keeping the athletes, safe, healthy, and fresh for their skills and routines. Additional strength and conditioning can enhance the sport of cheer.
WHAT ABOUT INJURY PREVENTION?
While it’s hard to prevent injury. it is possible to make it harder for athletes to get hurt. It’s important for cheer athletes to strengthen the ankles, the knees, and even the hips and lower back to protect against tumbling-related injuries. Creating neck mobility, better posture, and range of motion is also helpful. And the secret to more powerful stutns? CORE STRENGTH.
When trained properly, cheer athletes who do get hurt may be more likely to recover faster because they’re strong!
WHAT ARE SOME EXERCISES ATHLETES CAN BE WORKING ON AT HOME?
Can you own a body weight squat? Can you do a pushup without your lower back arching? Can you come up flat as a board? This kind of foundation will help you tumble better and stunt higher. Coach Kelcey says you should also be trying side planks and glute bridges.
I asked the coaches what they would say to someone who still thinks that cheer isn’t a sport. Their answer? Go to The Cheerleading Worlds once and you’ll see.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on strength training for cheer athletes!
SPONSORS
Music produced and provided by
