Cheerleading stretches for a herky

Answer 1

Here are some great stretches to improve flexibility on your legs. Remember to do the same amount of stretching on both legs, or you will end up with one leg that is more flexible than the other.

Sit in a straddle on the floor. Put your left arm on the floor in front of you, right arm over your head and lean to the left. Hold for at least 30 seconds then switch sides.

Then reach as far down the middle as you can, holding for at least 30 seconds.

Next turn to your left leg and with both hands grab your ankle and pull your chest down to the floor. After at least 30 seconds, switch sides. Once finished with both legs, reach down the middle once more, trying to reach further than you did the first time.

Another great stretch to do is the splits. You can do many variations on this, such as wall splits (great for flyers too). If you can do your splits all the way to the ground and you don't feel stretching, try your splits on inclines.

To improve the height of your jump, do kicks. Do at least 10 with each leg in each of the following positions: straight in front of you, straight out to the side, at a 45 degree angle to your body, and straight behind you.

If you have access to a trampoline, doing your jumps on there is another great way to improve your height.

Remember to make sure your muscles are fully warmed up before you stretch them, or you could incur painful injuries.