Integrating athleticism, grace, dedication and enthusiasm, cheerleading is considered an athletic activity by The American Association of Cheerleading. This means that in a school setting, its participants are considered "student athletes." However, cheerleading squads can also be seen on the sidelines of professional teams. The effects of cheerleading are many and extend from the individual to the team the group is supporting.
Strength and Muscle Control
Cheerleaders stay in top physical condition in terms of muscular strength and control. Cheerleaders work together to build pyramids in which each member of the team is responsible for physically supporting one or more other people. Through these maneuvers, the cheerleaders develop muscular strength. In other stunts, one member of the squad will stand on another member's shoulders or legs or one member will toss his partner high into the air and then catch her. These feats also require incredible strength, flexibility and coordination.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Cheerleading develops cardiovascular fitness as cheerleaders jump, stomp, clap and dance the entire duration of a sporting event. They are sometimes on the move even longer than the team they are supporting as the squad is often responsible for entertaining the crowd at half-time or while the teams playing take a time-out. It's not just game-time that is a cardiovascular workout; cheerleaders practice as tirelessly behind the scenes as the teams that they support. Some squads also participate in cheer or dance competitions which keep them on the move for lengthy periods of time. These provide intense cardio sessions.
Building Morale
Cheerleaders hype a crowd throughout a game. Even when a team finds itself in a position to lose, cheerleaders excite the crowd, which can, in turn, motivate the team and propel the players to victory. Cheerleaders build self-confidence in the players they support by staying vocal, positive and excited. Cheerleaders also build a sense of spirit in schools and communities through pep rallies and other events that promote unity and enthusiasm.
Teamwork
The National Cheerleaders Association stresses the importance of teamwork in its creed. The association reminds its members that teams are only successful through collective efforts. It cannot be one individual that will make a team successful. This is an important lesson that cheerleaders learn. Building pyramids, performing dance routines and maneuvering precise stunts require teamwork. These are lessons that cheerleaders take with them off the field and into life.
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