I was a All Star Cheer comp recently and I was surprised at how many cheerleaders ( most of them were fit and healthy ) and some of their coaches were worried about their weight. While at the comp I saw one coach getting "upset" because one of her main flyers was eating a candy bar. I personally think that coach had no reason to be upset just becuase the poor girl was eating a candy bar. I really don't think it would have made a difference in her flying. I understand that just like in Gymnastics or Figure Skating being fit and healthy in Cheerleading is important, but I don't think it's the coach's place to tell their cheerleaders what they can or can't eat. I'm just stating my opinion on this. I just want to see what people have to say about this issue. Because it's a very common one. The coaches who strives to have their cheerleaders at the "perfect" weight and the cheerleaders who push themselves to get there.
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Michelle Kwan is the "Kween" Sasha Cohen "Ballerina on Ice" Yu Na Kim is the "Queen Yu Na" Mao Asada is the "Queen of the Triple Axel"
Was the coach worried about weight or what the girl was putting in her stomach before competing? I can understand a coach not wanting a team member eating certain foods before going out on the mat. I wouldn't want to take the chance that the candy bar or ice cream or any other food might not sit right and cause an issue during the performance. After competing, eat what you want.
I think the sooner these kids and coaches start behaving like this is a sport the sooner it will be treated like one! You can not eat a candy bar right before a track event...why would you do it before you hit the cheer floor? I have explained to my daughter several times and she finally got it. One week before practice instead of pasta or McDonalds she ate tuna sandwiches on wheat and energy bars...water or tea no suger. The result great, more productive workouts!! I think we mommies get offended because who wants some MAN giving our children eating complex, when that is not the case at all it is their COACH trying to get the best out of their athletes! Trust me my daughter is a base and competition after competition you watch the bases walking their flyers all over the floor trying to keep them up, she would appreciate it if flyers were on a strict diet too! Just cuz your tall and skinny looking dont mean your light or can hold up your candy bar weight. LOL
i know my coach wants us to be fit and healthy but he doesn't tell us what to eat outside of practice. if we are at a competition though, he asks that we eat healthy and avoid sodas, candies etc. its not good to eat a ton of sugary treats and then try to perform a full out routine. however, he would never want us to go without eating, just to look good in a uniform. he just encourages that we eat a healthy breakfast and bring a filling but healthy snack for the competitions.
I'm just stating my opinion on this. I just want to see what people have to say about this issue. Because it's a very common one. The coaches who strives to have their cheerleaders at the "perfect" weight and the cheerleaders who push themselves to get there.
I won't deny that there have been weight issues in cheerleading (and other women's sports), but I'm curious to know why you think it's a "common" issue.
i don't think anyone is offended. it's a legitimate question and i'm actually curious to know if there are any statistics of cheerleaders with eating disorders. it seems with all the skimpy uniforms emerging weight/appearance would be more of an issue. does anyone have any information on numbers or stats?
Gymnasts dirty little secrets snickers bars (candy bars) instant energy. For a lot of athelets eating protein carb loading etc. dosen't work. My son for instance. He eats what I like to call a fast food diet. Hamburgers fries tacos. He has lots of energy with tumbling stunting etc. When he tries to eat the "so called healthy way as he puts it" he has no energy and drags. So I say do what works for you and your body. If eating healthy is good for you and gives you enegy than so be it, but if eating a different way works better for you than do what works for you. I am so tried of people watching what everyone else is eating we are now the most obese nation. I hold my tongue I don't comment on anyones weight or what anyone is eating. I have learned all it does is create eating disorders.
i don't think anyone is offended. it's a legitimate question and i'm actually curious to know if there are any statistics of cheerleaders with eating disorders. it seems with all the skimpy uniforms emerging weight/appearance would be more of an issue. does anyone have any information on numbers or stats?
Yes, actually, I did a study on it in my psychology class. Out of all the cheerleaders I interviewed, 30% admitted that they had or used to have an eating disorder. (compared to 1% of people nationwide)
I don't however have information on why these eating disorders occur, whether its the uniforms, or just the pressure to be thin, or anything like that.
I based a girl who would "pig" out before competing, who else can you go to if not the coaches, so if I see a coach at a competition scolding a flyer. I totally understand. I think a light healthy meal BEFORE competing is okay.. but not a diet of churros, hamburgers, dippin' dots etc.. this goes for all team members..
I coach a High School cheer team and I do have one girl with an eating disorder.. needless to say I would NEVER comment on her weight.. Her parents are actually the one's telling her to "be skinnier" so that she can be a flyer. She is a back spotter because she is tall, but What's amazing is that if this girl was on an all-star team she probably would fly. She is definitely NOT overweight, I just wouldn't trust to put her up in the air on less experienced bases. I have to remind her of this everyday and it's a struggle.
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Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. -Vince Lombardi
