One of the more frequently asked questions that we receive when someone is coming to practice at the gym for the first time, is what they should do leading up to practice, as well as if there is anything that they should be bringing to practice.

This is a common thought even when athletes may happen to come from another cheer program (be it All Star or otherwise) or from a similar sport (gymnastics, dance, etc.).

The question also is independent from the type of class within our programming that they are coming in for.

Whether it is for a tumble class, a first time All Star practice, or for any of the numerous areas of programming which are occurring at the gym, it is natural for any athlete, or for a parent of an athlete, to want to ensure that they are properly set up for practice.

In general, there is not much monumentally that has to occur in preparation for a first time practice.

Regardless of programming, there are simply five main items that should be tended to:
– Nourishment
– Clothing
– Footwear
– Hair
– Hydration

Not too long ago, while taking attendance for a weekend tumble class, I asked this one specific athlete what her name was so I could mark her on my list as having attended the class.

She pointed to her mouth as if she suddenly had the inability to speak.

After a few seconds, it became evident that she had this sudden muteness about her because one of her parents had made her stuff a mouthful of ____________ (insert favorite breakfast fast food of choice here) and it was impeding her being able to mumble any words whatsoever.

Needless to say, doughnuts, hash browns, and the like are not necessarily the ideal food to be taking into your system, literally, before you step onto the mat.

While I understand desperate times call for desperate measures with regard to making sure our kids have something of sustenance in their system, ideally it is something a little bit better planned out than this scenario, hopefully more healthy, and with enough time (preferably at least an hour) to somewhat digest before your kiddo goes flipping all over the place at practice.

From a clothing standpoint, I often suggest wearing an outfit similar to what an athlete might wear to gym class. Cheer up Athletics

It is important to not wear something which is too loose however as clothes that are not fit to the body as they ideally should be, may get in the way of an athlete as they are practicing and make it more challenging to perform the necessary exercises needed at practice.

With regard to how hair should be worn, if an athlete has longer hair, it should be tied up in a hair tie of some sorts so as to keep it out of the athlete’s face as they are working through practice.

Footwear-wise a pair of practice-dedicated sneakers [not sneakers that are worn out in the rain (for example) and then taken in to practice on the mats] should be worn. Though in tumble class, athletes may practice in their bare feet, a pair of comfortable, supportive sneakers (geared toward cheer if possible) are preferred.Cheer up Athletics

If an athlete is part of our team programming (whether Full-Year or Half-Year Prep), eventually they would be issued competition sneakers as part of our programming and wearing them to practice would be critical from that point forward as the more they are worn, the better they will be broken in.

Keeping properly hydrated is super critical, we do ask that every athlete please bring at least one bottle of water with them in order to help ensure that they remain properly hydrated during water breaks at practice.

Although the list is not enormous, these certain key points can all help to make sure that your athlete is as solidly set up for practice as possible, no matter if it is their first time (such as is our focus here) or your athlete is a veteran All Star cheerleader in the middle of their 5th season. Cheer up Athletics