The Cheer Athlete

What is the missing link between movement, strength, and performance?In this episode, I discuss why building strength isn't always the first step toward better performance. Movement quality, awareness, breathing, control, mobility, and stability all play important roles in how efficiently we move and perform.Whether you're a cheerleader, coach, trainer, therapist, or active adult, understanding these connections can help you train smarter, reduce compensation, and improve long-term outcomes.Join me as we explore how movement serves as the foundation for strength and performance—and why sometimes the biggest improvements come from addressing the basics first.Follow LT on Instagram @TheCheerPTFree Resources HEREReferencesMovement Detectivery with Monika Volkmer and Gary WardThe Movement Podcast with Gray Cook and Lee BurtonThe Strength Coach Podcast with Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle

In this episode of the Cheer Athlete Podcast, we’re talking about a tough—but important—topic: catastrophic injuries in cheerleading.While these injuries are relatively rare, cheerleading accounts for a significant percentage of catastrophic injuries in female high school sports. In this episode, I break down what “catastrophic injury” really means, the most common types seen in cheer (including concussions, spinal and neck injuries, fractures, and ACL tears), and why many of these injuries occur during practice—not competition.We’ll cover:What qualifies as a catastrophic injury in cheerWhy cheerleading carries unique risks compared to other sportsConcussions vs. traumatic brain injuriesSpinal and cervical injuries and why awareness mattersFractures, ACL injuries, and season-ending orthopedic traumaHow strength, preparation, and proper progressions reduce riskThe importance of recognizing symptoms and following return-to-play protocolsThis episode isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to educate, empower, and protect athletes by helping parents and coaches understand risk, readiness, and prevention. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another cheer parent or coach.Have a question or topic you’d like covered? Use the Ask Your PT form HERE Check out the Injury Prevention Starter Kit for Cheer Parents to learn how to better support your athlete all season long. HERE

Recovery isn’t the same as rest—and it deserves its own place in cheer training.In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, we break down what recovery actually is, what it isn’t, and why skipping recovery increases the risk of overuse injuries. You’ll learn how gentle movement, breathing, hydration, and nervous system regulation help cheerleaders feel better, train better, and stay on the mat longer.This episode is especially helpful for cheer parents and coaches who want to know when soreness is normal, when it’s not, and how recovery prepares the body for the next practice—not just the end of today’s workout.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and make sure you're subscribed. Want to learn more about the $5 Injury Prevention Starter Kit for Cheer Moms? Connect with Laura at LTTheCheerPT.comHave an injury, flexibility or strength questions Ask A PT HERE

In this episode, Laura Turner, the Cheer PT dives into why a dynamic warm up is better than static stretching and when cheerleaders can be expected to warm up on their own. Connect with Laura at LTTheCheerPT.comAsk A PT HERE Grab a signed copy of Strength and Conditioning for the Cheer Athlete HERE