Do you have what it takes to be a cheerleading flyer? A cheerleading flyer is the person at the top of the list for stunt performers. You have seen her in her cheerleading uniform. It is the girl who gets raised and thrown high into the air. It may be one of the most marvelous positions in cheerleading along with one of the more dangerous ones. It offers a sensational and electrifying feeling of flying through the air.

Cheerleading is a team sport. Each person on the squad is important. In order for a flyer to be successful, she must have great spotters. Weight and height do play a major role in whether you can be a flyer or not. However, if you have the awesome ability and the proper skills you could have what it takes to be a flyer.

An accomplished cheerleader should have what it takes to fill any job on her squad. Part of being a team player means doing the position your team needs you to do. Don’t set limitations by assuming you can only do one thing. You can do anything you set your mind to. However, there are skills and abilities that you will need to obtain to be a great flyer.

First of all, you need to be confident. Attitude can be everything in cheerleading. You must know in your heart that you can do it. If you think you can’t do something, you will sell yourself short in the long run. You must trust yourself and your teammates. You must know that if you fall, they will catch you. Knowing that your teammates won’t let you fall and that you won’t get hurt will help you to concentrate on getting the job done.
You must keep your hips and thighs stable. Don’t ever jolt your legs. You must be able to maintain your own weight. You have to be able to raise yourself with your arms. Maintaining your balance is very important. You must stay very stiff. Use your bases to keep yourself from wiggling. Timing is everything! You have to know what to do and when it needs to be done. Your job is to know when the correct level has been achieved to hit the stunt. You cannot have a fear of heights in order to be a flyer. It is important to keep eye contact with your audience. You will be the crowd motivator. Make sure to show the audience your beautiful smile!

As a flyer, remember to keep your legs tucked in so your feet are off the ground. When this drill is mastered, you will be able to move into stunting. During each stunt, it is important for the flyer to remember to stand up as fast as possible, stay tight, and keep those legs straight!

You need comfortable clothes in cheerleading. When practicing, you should wear cheer shorts, cheer t-shirts, cheer stretch pants, and cheer sneakers. During performances cheerleaders will wear their team’s cheerleading uniforms. It is a good idea to wear a sports bra. If you have long hair you should put it in ponytail. Headbands are good if you have short hair. It is a good idea to have a cheer bag with clothes to change into after a game or the competition. Pom-poms are a great accessory for cheerleaders and are pretty much mandatory.

If you want to be a flyer, you should know that it would take hard work and dedication. It takes a special individual to truly trust your teammates when they are throwing you up in the air. Being a cheerleader is no walk in the park. Cheerleading is not considered to be a sideline activity anymore. This sport involves intense competition, dedication, hard work and a true love for the sport.

Popularity: 97% [?]

“It’s all about the skirt” is what we often hear when people talk about cheerleading. We laugh, knowing there is so much more to cheerleading than just the cheerleading uniform, but there really is some truth to the matter. Fashion is an issue. The skirt, or more accurately, the total cheer uniform is an important part of what makes a cheerleader sparkle and light up a crowd. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the options when it comes to choosing that perfect “cheerleading skirt” to help your squad dazzle the crowds at your next event.

First, let’s start with the less exciting, practical part. How much is this cheerleading uniform going to cost? As with any product, you can pretty much spend as much as you want on a cheerleading uniform. The key is to know what you are paying for. Shop around to compare prices, products, lettering and shipping costs. Companies offer package deals that include the cheer shell and cheer skirt, but be sure you look to see how much the lettering will cost as this figure is often not included in the package price. Basic prices seem to range from $30 to $100 with lettering running around $10-20 per cheer uniform depending on whether you go with a one, two or three color design. Look for quantity discounts and consider these when you decide how many uniforms you will order. A late addition to the squad could cost you a bundle if you need to order a single uniform later. And don’t forget the accessories. If you make extras, such as briefs, socks, poms, nylon half or full tops, part of your uniform, be sure to add their cost to the bottom line when you consider your uniform budget.

Some other practical concerns are uniform comfort and fit. You want to wear a uniform that feels good, is appropriate for the sport/season, and allows you the full range of movement you need to do those cheers, stunts and moves that set your squad apart from the competition. Most cheerleading uniforms are made of polyester and spandex that allows for some stretch in the fabric, but there are also 50/50 cotton/polyester blends available and more expensive moisture wicking fabrics that are lighter and cooler. Check whether the fabric is washable or not so you are aware of the additional work and cost if you choose a “dry clean only” fabric. As to the uniform fit, most companies do not want you to order stock sizes, but rather to give them measurements. With form fitting shells and various skirt lengths, honesty is more important than modesty, so make sure you get accurate measurements from your squad members so the uniforms fit right and your squad looks sharp.

Finally, we get to the good stuff. Choosing the right cheerleading uniform is about getting the right “look” and here you have a lot of choices. Cheerleading uniform companies offer a wide variety of styles and features from the traditional to the hip to the modern. With tops/shells you can choose from crops to jumpers with or without long-sleeve full-length or crop-length tops. And then you need to choose V-neck, sweetheart neck or round neck all with or without braid options. In regard to bottoms, you have the classic A-line, modified A-line, low rise and twister skirt styles in addition to a wide range of pleated options including box, eight, knife, three or twelve pleat style. You also have short, skort and pants options available to match your shell choice. Make a choice that suits the tastes of your squad members, is suitable for your cheer purpose, complies with your school/organization dress code and colors and brings your squad to life!

So, choosing a cheerleading uniform, like cheerleading itself, is about way more than “just the skirt.” Be sure to consider all your options as you search for that perfect uniform, the one that will make your squad feel good and look great!

Popularity: 41% [?]

So you’re hot, hip, and one of the trendiest performers out there, you’re a cheerleader! If you answered yes to this then the first step is already achieved, now let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the situation.

One thing to remember about that lean, mean, cheerleading machine of yours, is that you have to maintain your core strength in order to keep your performance as smooth and flawless as possible. What is core strength, you might ask? Core strength is the overall stamina of your inner torsos’ muscles, and helps to maintain good posture, a tight and toned abdomen and back, and also regulates the strength of your limbs. You can achieve this with core conditioning, or, a regular exercise routine geared toward your core muscles. Without a toned and maintained core, your overall performance will be lacking due to less control over your muscles and less stamina after a peak cheerleading performance.

Let’s go over the major areas a cheerleader is affected by core conditioning: 1st the Rectus Abdominis, these muscles are the front muscles of your abdomen, sometimes referred to as a “six pack”, that is, if you are one of those “ripped” hotties that has achieved that look in your cheerleading uniform. Next there is the Erector Spinae; these are three separate muscles that support from your neck down to your lower back. Underneath that lies the Multifidus, these muscles are along your spine and they rotate and extend your back. Ever hear of the term “flexible as a cat”? You do not want to let these dandies stiffen up! Along the sides and the front of your abdomen are the External Oblique’s, and beneath them, but running in the opposite direction, are the Internal Oblique’s. Deeper still is the Transverse Abdominis, these are beneath the other abdominals and are the muscles of your waist, they ensure protection and stability of your spine.

Moving on to the lower regions we find the Hip Flexors, these include several different muscles that are located in front of your pelvis and on the fronts of your thighs. They allow for that awesome cheerleading swing and sway you have that you know gets you noticed! Gluteus medius and minimus are the muscles on the sides of your hips and the Gluteus maximus, also referred to as the hamstring group, is located in the back of your hips and along your upper thighs and legs. Lastly we have the Hip adductors that are along your mid thigh.

Now that we know which muscles make up your core, and where they are found, let’s talk shop about how you can strengthen and maintain these core cheerleading muscles.

There are many exercises that can help you to reach that goal, here are a few to get you on your way to performing like a star and looking great in that cheerleading uniform:

1st: a tight and toned abdomen can be strengthened with the use of an exercise ball while doing crunches. Lean across the ball on your lower back with your feet planted squarely on the floor for support. Next cross your arms over your chest to help maintain balance. Slowly raise your head, neck, and shoulders upward using your abdomen muscles to pull yourself forward, then slowly lower yourself back. Repeat this movement for 5 reps of 10.

2nd: How about some fun? A great way to help strengthen your core is with balance exercising. With balancing you can use such devices as a wobble board, a BOSU Balance Trainer, or even foam rollers. Trying to keep balanced for as long as you can helps to tone and strengthen your deeper core muscles (Transverse Abdominis), try at least 5 reps of balancing for at least 30 seconds each time. You should increase the difficulty after each rep with the addition of a medicine ball (switching from hand to hand), or closing your eyes. This exercise can be a lot of fun with a partner.

3rd: Who says that it has to be difficult or extravagant to be effective? Come on Cheerleaders, try these little numbers on for size, abdominal braces are not only easy, but they create results! This is actually one of the main techniques to use during core training. All you have to do is contract your abdominal muscles. Imagine you are pulling your belly button in toward your spine, not by sucking in air of course, don’t hold your breath, but by tightening your muscles to achieve this bracing effect. Hold your muscles tight for as long as you can, trying to increase your times with each rep. Remember you should be able to breathe easily during this routine for the best effects.

4th: Another tried and true method for an overall core strengthening workout is the basic push up. That’s right squads, these dandy’s aren’t just for soldiers, doing pushups properly can effectively help to create and maintain a fit and healthy core. Pushups 101: lie down on your belly, with your hands on the floor a little wider apart than your shoulders, raise up onto your toes, keeping your body straight (no butts in the air). Push yourself upward with your arms and tighten your core muscles as you do this, raise yourself upward until your arms are straight but do not lock your elbows. Now lower yourself until your elbows are in a 90 degree angle, repeating this process for as many reps as you are able to. Exhale as you rise up, and inhale while you lower yourself. Remember to keep your core muscles tight throughout this routine.

Keeping your body fit is an important task that you should take seriously if you want to be a successful Cheerleader, of course too much work and not enough play can really bum you out, so be sure to make your work out as fun as possible! Group cheerleading routines have lots of potential to get downright silly, dancing is great for those core muscles and can also keep your cheer routines new and exciting, so liven it up and have a blast!

Popularity: 34% [?]

When making any major purchasing decision, be it a personal or cheer team purchase, it is pivotal to understand the constraints of a properly calculated budget. This is undeniably true regarding cheer gear and cheerleading uniform purchases for athletic teams. After calculating a budget, the next step in the purchasing process is deciding where to purchase the cheerleading uniforms. The items may be purchased entirely from one retailer or wholesaler, or they may be purchased from several different sellers. The decision of where to purchase cheerleading uniforms should be guided principally by the aforementioned budget.

After tallying a budget and researching various suppliers for the desired cheerleading gear, it is necessary to decide which items, if any, should be name brand, while the remaining items required to complete the purchase will be generic. Name brand gear can usually be purchased for an entire team at a discount by buying from a wholesaler or directly through the cheerleading apparel and gear company itself. Purchasing all of the necessary items (i.e., cheerleading uniforms, shoes, pom poms, etc.) from the same company can also result in further discounts, as dictated by economies of scale and the supplier’s willingness to create a strong seller/buyer bond, or even an exclusive purchasing agreement, with the team. If a price quote for desired name brand cheerleading gear falls within the delineated budget, and the need to purchase name brand equipment is rather strong, then name brand gear is probably a good purchasing decision. However, it is imperative to avoid stretching the budget too thin in the pursuit of more expensive gear, as future replacement, repair, and unforeseen cost considerations must be considered.

It is the expected and unexpected future costs that lend deference to the idea of purchasing generic cheerleading gear as opposed to name brand gear. Generic gear will not only fall within the parameters of more budgets than name brand gear, it can also give a similar air of authenticity without undermining the functionality of the gear itself. It is the opportunity cost of price versus durable functionality that truly highlights the importance of researching the products and the reputation of the suppliers when purchasing generic gear. As opposed to name brand gear, which is generally presumed to incorporate higher levels of quality into its products in order to preserve brand equity, generic gear can come at a lower price but a higher replacement cost. Therefore, product research is vital when choosing appropriate generic gear.

A compromise between name brand and generic alternatives is another way to proceed with purchasing cheerleading uniforms. For instance, a specific team might find it desirable to wear uniforms that bear a brand name logo. On the other hand, the same team may want to cut total costs by purchasing functionally sound gear that happens to be generic. Conversely, if logo-emblazoned uniforms are not a necessity, it might be more appropriate for a team to purchase generic cheerleading uniforms while investing in specific cheer shoes and other more expensive gear that are tailored to the specific type of cheerleading routine that the team performs at athletic events and competitions. For example, shoes with arches and soles that are designed for greater impacts would be necessary for routines that employ a lot of acrobatic jumps and leaps from high positions.

In conclusion, understanding the needs and funds that are available to a singular cheerleader or an entire team, and consequently creating a customized budget that accounts for future necessary expenditures, is the most necessary way to determine whether to buy brand name or generic cheerleading gear. Such a purchasing decision is independently relative to each scenario, therefore no single methodology described above can be universally correct. Understanding individual needs, and the best way in which to satisfy them within the confines of a proper budget, is the underlying bedrock of any major purchase.

Popularity: 83% [?]

Campus Team Wear, your leading supplier of cheerleading uniforms and apparel, is holding a sale on printed cheerleading t-shirts that ends on Tuesday, May 19th. The printed cheer tees were originally $10.95 and have been reduced to $8.95. Here are some of my favorite printed cheerleading t-shirts

1) Eco Cheerleading Tee: Show your love for the Earth and Cheerleading with this planet-friendly tee.

2) Love To Cheer Heart Tee: A super cute “Love to Cheer” slogan is featured across this white jersey t-shirt.

3) Cheerleader Flair Tee: This white jersey tee features an adorable “button” design. Now no one can ask you where your flair is!

4) Multi Cheer Leader Tee: A black jersey fitted tee with the word “cheer” in multiple different types.

To learn more about our cheerleading shirt sale and to purchase some sale tees, go to our Twitter page.

Popularity: 41% [?]

Campus Team Wear is now offering exclusive deal and sales on Twitter! Check our Twitter page daily and you can see ongoing sales and great prices on cheerleading uniforms, cheer shoes, cheer socks, camp wear, cheerleading shorts and skirts.

Just go to our twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/omnicheer. With great deals every week on our cheerleading apparel, you can’t miss with Campus Team Wear.

Twitter is the newest micro-blogging tool that allows you to keep track of the latest cheerleading uniforms and apparel promotions.

Popularity: 94% [?]

Your team’s cheerleading uniforms are a reflection of of your squad’s cheerleading style and spirit. Updating your cheerleading look is important so that your performances are always top notch, your uniforms are always comfortable and current and your style is always modern.

From simple lines to interesting patterns, new fabrics and sequins, the popular cheerleading uniforms of 2009 are both fun and diverse.

Here are the winners for the best cheerleading uniforms of the 2009-2010 cheer year based on best patters, best new matierial and best embellishments:

Best Pattern: Double Knit Diamond Cheerleader Shell Top for $17.95.

This fashionable double knit cheer uniform top by Chassé has an attractive diamond pattern that is very flattering. It features a side zipper and straight bottom.

Best New Fabric: Nylon Stretch Sequin Cheerleader Uniform Top for $29.95.

The brand new Ultra-lite 12.5 oz. Nylon/Spandex stretch cheer unitop features a silver sequin design V-neck. This amazing material allows for extreme mobility when performing stunts. Chassé has scored again with this cutting-edge new look!

Best Embellishment: Nylon Stretch A-Line Cheerleading Skirt for $24.95

Check out this cute cheerleading uniform skirt. Made with the same Nylon Stretch material as the top that I mentioned, this a-line cheer skirt features a stunning embellishment: a silver sequin stripe on the hem. The skirt also  with front V-notch and side vents. Made by Chassé.

Best Skirt Style: Double Knit Star A-Line Cheer Skirt for $19.95

My favorite skirt of the season is this adorable Double-Knit Polyester cheer skirt with a white star side panel. The skirt is extremely comfortable for performing and has a zipper back.

Popularity: 49% [?]

Cheerleading shorts are essential for cheerleading practice and cheerleading camp. There are many cute styles that are perfect for cheerleading, and here a few of my favorite shorts styles:

1) Soffe Novelty Print Cheer Shorts - These adorable camouflage shorts are available in classic green and in pink (for a cute twist on the original camo)  These jersey knit cheerleading shorts are made by Soffe and feature the same classic cheerleader cut with a v-notch and elastic waistband, but now with a fun novelty print. Available now for $8.95

2) Bermuda Cheer Shorts with 2 Imprints - These comfy jersey knit shorts feature the word “cheerleader” with two White Glitter Imprints on the legs and a drawstring waistband. Available now for only $8.95.

3) V-Band Cheer Shorts - These cheer shorts are perfect to pair with your printed cheerleading t-shirts and cheerleading shoes.

Rather wear a skirt when you are practicing? Check out the Lycra Cheerleading Skirt With Built In Short.

And don’t forget to look for the newest styles of cheerleading uniforms for your squad!

Popularity: 83% [?]

Cheerleading shoes are extremely important to ensure that you your feet are well supported during cheerleading jumps and choreography.  Finding quality cheer shoes that look great with your cheerleading uniform can be difficult, but you can definitely find shoes that fit your needs in your price range. Whether you are looking for cheerleading shoes with all the bells and whistles or affordable shoes that provide good support, I have some great options for you below:

1) Chassé Flip Cheer Shoes - Specifically designed for cheerleading, this popular shoe style is only $17.95 and has stylish colored inserts. These cheer shoes are also composed of lightweight, supportive leather/synthetic upper and feature a compression molded EVA midsole for light weight cushioning. The scalloped arch and heel for stunt control is a major bonus!

2) Nike Musique Cheer Shoes - Now only $40.95 at Campus Team Wear,  the Nike Musique is a an attractive cheer shoe with forefoot and heel double lasting for enhanced stability. This shoe also features double lasted phylon midsole, internal flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and a non-marking rubber outsole.

3) Asics Gel Comp 2 Cheerleading Shoes- Featuring the GEL Cushioning System in the heel which attenuates harmful shock during landing, the Asic Gel Comp 2 is a slightly more expensive shoe at $51.95. Asics is a popular brand and the Gel Comp 2 is a solid, well-made shoe.

4) Nfinity Passion Cheer Shoes - At $74.95, the higher priced Nfinity Passion has a lightweight full grain leather and sateen upper and is slip lasted for more flexiblity and control. Plus, this cheerleading shoe comes with a FREE anniversary case!

5) Kaepa Jump Cheerleading Shoes - The Kaepa Jump is a reasonably priced shoe at $31.95 and is lightweight compression molded midsole for light weight cushioning. This cheer shoes has a scalloped arch with finger notch in heal for improved stunt control and color inserts.

Popularity: 74% [?]

In a past blog I discussed raising money for your cheerleading uniforms, warm-ups, camp wear and accessories with the amazing fundraising program using the FUN”D” 2 RAISE Cards. These cheerleading fundraising cards help to make fundraising fun! 

In this post I am going to explore ways that you can leverage the FUN”D” 2 RAISE Cards to raise money for your cheerleading squad so that you are able to purchase new cheerleading uniforms, warm ups, accessories and camp wear with only the five dollar investment in the fundraising cards!

The first step is to purchase the amount of fundraising cards that you will need. For example, if you buy 15 cards at  $5.00 a piece, your investment would be $75.00 and your income would be $3750, which means your profit would be $3675 - a 98% profit!!!! Those cheerleading uniforms seem much more attainable now, don’t they?

So what is the best way to find sponsors to scratch off the amounts? Use your network of cheerleading supporters, friends and family. The best place to start is with the families, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Next, talk to your neighbors, parents friends, your friends - tell them about everything your cheer squad brings to the community. Explain to people you meet that your cheerleading squad is hoping to receive support so that you team can reach it’s goals.  And finally, thank them for the contributions and let them know you greatly appreciate their help!

To learn more about cheerleading uniforms go to Campus Team Wear.

Popularity: 38% [?]