Episode 150: Jump Higher Without More Stretching: Why Cheerleaders Should Be Sprinting
From The Cheer Athlete by Laura Turner
April 2, 2026 · 23 min · Season 3 · Episode 150
About this episode
This episode discusses how sprinting can be a key factor in improving jump height for cheerleaders, challenging the common belief that flexibility is the primary requirement.
Most cheerleaders are told they need more flexibility to jump higher… But what if that’s not actually the missing piece? In this episode, we’re breaking down why sprinting might be one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools to improve your cheer jumps. From toe touches to tumbling, sprinting trains the exact qualities cheerleaders need— power, coordination, and control . You’ll learn: Why flexibility alone won’t improve jump height How sprinting improves explosive strength and timing The connection between sprinting and cheer skills like jumps, tumbling, and stunting Simple ways to safely add sprinting into your routine If your athlete has been working on jumps but not seeing progress… this episode will give you a new direction. Remember: We don’t just train muscles—we train movement. Want help putting this into action? Check out my programs and resources designed specifically for cheerleaders to move better, get stronger, and stay injury-free. Have a question you want answered? Ask a PT HERE
People in this episode
Host: Laura Turner
Topics covered
- cheerleading
- sprinting
- jump height
- explosive strength
- coordination
- control
Keywords
- cheer jumps
- sprinting benefits
- explosive strength
- flexibility
- tumbling
- stunting
- training movement
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- Episode 160: The ABCs of Movement: Awareness, Breath, and Control · June 11, 2026 · 13 min
- Episode 159: The One Balance Test That Predicts How Well You'll Move As You Age (And Why Cheerleaders Practice It Every Day) · June 4, 2026 · 16 min
- Episode 158 Why Your Back Handspring Dies After Your Round-off · May 28, 2026 · 42 min
- Episode 157: Why Rest and Recovery Matter for Cheerleaders, Parents, and Athletes Who Never Slow Down · May 21, 2026 · 11 min
- Episode 156: Back Pain in Cheerleaders and Cheer Parents: When to Worry, What to Watch For, and How to Move Better Naturally · May 14, 2026 · 18 min
- Episode 155: Cheerleading Is About Heart—But Injuries Need Time | When to Push, When to Rest, and How to Return Safely · May 7, 2026 · 21 min
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