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Is Cheerleading a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Mar 9, 2011 | By Toby Pendergrass
Is Cheerleading a Good Way to Lose Weight?
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If you are overweight, you face an increased risk for conditions such as obesity, which can affect your social life and make enjoying normal activities difficult. Cheerleading represents an effective aerobic exercise to lose weight, whether performed for fun or as part of a formal athletic competition. The sport carries a higher injury risk than some activities, so you'll need to take precautions before getting started.

Cheerleading and Aerobic Exercise

Cheerleading is an effective method to ensure your overall fitness. People who perform the often-vigorous dance routines included in cheerleading are also participating in aerobic activity, or exercise that requires oxygen and continued rhythmic movement of your hips, arms and legs. Health experts recommend aerobic activities, such as cheerleading, as the best exercise method for weight loss because you'll improve your overall body function and significantly reduce excess fat.

Weight Loss Timeline

Adopting a cheerleading regimen as a method for weight loss requires commitment because you'll burn more calories the longer you exercise. An effective schedule includes cheerleading for at least 20 continuous minutes on three days every week, although your doctor might recommend starting with less time based on your age and overall health. Aim to eventually dance for up to 40 minutes five times weekly to lose the most weight. You'll also need to cheer vigorously enough that your heart rate and breathing increase. Doctors typically suggest an aerobic regimen that includes several of your favorite activities in order to prevent boredom or overuse of one muscle group, so consider alternating your cheerleading with calorie-burning methods such as swimming, bicycling or tennis.

Recognizing Your Risk

Female athletes who perform cheerleading routines are more likely to suffer severe injury than females in other sports, according to the Children's Hospital website. Remaining healthy is vital to weight loss because accidents can result in extended periods of inactivity that prevent you from burning calories. Lower your risk for injury by performing a warm-up and cool-down that includes mild stretching. Drink plenty of water while exercising. Your doctor's approval of any exercise for weight loss is essential.

Reducing Calories

Successful weight-loss requires more than just aerobic cheerleading; you'll also need to embrace a healthful diet. Eating vegetables, whole grains, fruits and low-fat dairy products helps ensure you'll burn a higher number of calories through your dance workouts than you take in daily with food and beverages. Keep a written record of your daily caloric intake so you can determine how many calories are in your meals.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Mar 9, 2011

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