When you think of cheerleading, what comes to mind? Today, there are more than 4 million cheerleaders worldwide (and counting). In fact, competitive cheerleading one of the most physically demanding sports out there!
Is your little one or preteen interested in cheerleading? There are many cheerleading benefits and positive impacts to be had! Keep reading to learn what they are.
It Develops Positive Life Skills
One of the biggest benefits of cheer is that it encourages participants to develop trusting relationships with other athletes. Regardless if you’re a base, flyer, or spotter, cheerleaders have to be able to trust one another, especially when stunting. Without teamwork, it’s nearly impossible to perform stunts safely.
Another good thing about cheer is that it helps develop leadership and discipline. The physical demands of cheerleading can be hard and success requires a deep commitment that is not for the faint of heart.
This is especially true if you begin to get into the world of competitive cheerleading, which can be incredibly time-consuming and requires a lot of family participation.
Cheerleading Encourages Health and Physical Fitness
No matter what level, being a cheerleader requires healthy habits, as well as strength, agility, coordination, and flexibility. Cheerleaders today are dancers, gymnasts, and performers who train and practice long before ever showing off their routines to the world.
Not to mention, regular exercise and physical activity have been shown to help students behave better in school, remember more information, and increase brain function. What’s not to love about that?
Cheerleading Benefits You Mentally
Speaking of how exercise can help kids in school, cheer can benefit students mentally as well. Not only does cheerleading help students understand the importance of a positive attitude, but it also can teach them the value of a growth mindset and determination.
While it may easier sometimes for children to give up when something is difficult, being involved in any sport helps them set goals and take purposeful steps towards reaching them.
Cheerleading can also encourage creativity, like having your interested child make a pom pom. After you completed this craft, have them cheer alongside the TV and give them a small taste of what cheerleading could be!
Cheerleading is Fun!
Don’t forget that, above all, cheerleading is fun. The bows are fun, the outfits are fun, and the cheers themselves are fun. Why else would celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, and Sandra Bullock have been cheerleaders? Even Presidents Ronald Regan and George W. Bush were cheerleaders!
Cheerleading can help shy kids break out of their shells in a way that helps them feel part of a group, yet able to be an individual. It can help boost moods and put a smile on your face, whether as a participant or an onlooker.
Ready to Get Started?
Clearly, cheerleading benefits kids in many ways! If you’re interested in getting involved in the world of cheerleading, check into local dance studios or gymnastics programs near you. If they don’t offer anything, they may have suggestions for who does. Above all, have fun!
