Definitely not! I say if you'd like to start now that's be fine. I started cheer when I was 12. I was behind a bit on the flexibility and gymnastics, but it wasn't that bad. I just stretched every day before and after I excercised.
Some cheer leading stretches I've done over the years are :
?Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders up and around to the back 5 times then change the direction to the front 5 times
?Hamstrings: These are the muscles that give you flexibility in your jumps; they are located on the top, back of your legs. With this exercise, reach up nice and tall then slowly bend over to reach your toes.
?Deltoids or Shoulders: These are the muscles that make up your shoulder. Take one arm and reach across your body. Take your other arm and help pull your arm just below your elbow. Hold the stretch for a count of 5 then switch arms.
?Tricepts: These are the muscles on the upper back of your arms; they help you push things away. Take your arm and try to touch the middle of your back. With the other arm, gently hold the elbow and hold your arm in place. Hold each stretch for a count of 5.
?Bicepts: These are the muscles on the front of your arms and help you pull things to you. Put your arm straight in front of you and gently hold down your fingers until you feel the slight stretch in your bicept.
?6. Upper Back and Inner Thighs:
Begin in a tripod position with your hands on your knees. Next, angle your right shoulder toward your left leg and hold for a count of 5. Switch to the other side. You should feel the stretch in your inner thighs, shoulders, and upper back.
?Upper Back: Push your arms directly in front of you and arch your back to a "c" shape and hold the stretch for a count of 5.
?Quadricepts: This is the largest muscle in your body and is located on the front of your thigh. To do the quad stretch, hold your ankle and point your knee straight down so you will not wobble.
?Calf Stretch: Your calf is located on the bottom back of your leg. Put your heel in front of you and flex your foot. Rest your arms of the opposite thigh for balance. Hold your stretch for a count of at least 5. Remember, do not bounce.
?Pike Stretch:
Step 1
Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you.
Step 2
Lift your arms above your head with your palms turned inward and your fingers toward the ceiling.
Step 3
Point your toes toward the floor as far as you can. Make sure you hold your legs and knees straight and tight throughout the pike stretch.
Step 4
Stretch your hands to touch your toes. Or, keep them by your ears if you cannot reach that far. Reach as far as you can while keeping a straight back and legs. Hold the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds and return to the original position.
Step 5
Flex your toes upward and repeat the pike stretch. Hold onto your toes and pull them toward your chest, again holding for 15 to 20 seconds. Return to the starting position.
Step 6
Repeat this stretch for several repetitions to stretch your back, calves and achilles before you begin practice.
(You can also do this stretch while standing up.)
?Straddle leg stretches:
- Straddle side stretch:
Sit in a straddle position, extending legs as far as you are comfortable.
Reach toward your right leg with your left arm, stretching your right arm toward your opposite leg.
Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
Repeat to the left side.
-Straddle center stretch:
Sit in a wide straddle position, legs extended as far as comfortable.
Without bending the knees, reach to the center.
Stretch as far as you can, maintaining a flat back.
Try to lay your body on the floor, using your hands as support.
Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
? Standing leg stretches
Good luck and have fun! (:
You're not too old, trust me I started on sophmore year &i didnt have any gymnastics background nor knew how to dance. Point is you'll learn as you go . But if you're going to join, you really cant be shy at all ! Cuz remember, you'll be doing cheers & dance routines in front of alot of people on football games. Im not trying to scare you in to not wanting to join but you gotta keep that in mind so it wont affect the way you cheer, sp you could cheer& move more openly as in more confident (: also, make sure to be loud !! & for flexibility try stretching every day &work on kicking nice &straight with your toes pointed& dont forget to work on your arm angles (like if you're gonna do a "v" your arms must look that way &firm, &for a "T" your arms must look very straight &firm as well since cheer requires sharp firm cheer routines :o But dont overstress it too much & just have fun ! :D
No I'm 13 and I just started cheer high school intact and stretch a lot it will pay off trust me good luck:-D
With love, Abby(:
NOOOOOOOOOOO! im 13 and i might be starting cheer this year!
no i was ten if you really love it you will get really good and go to allstars if you practice all you can.
