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Hannah Busillo

Hannah Busillo

by | Apr 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

MEMBER OF THE MONTH: HANNAH BUSILLO

 

The CHEERFIT community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our members share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I have been cheering since I was five years old. I enjoy everything about it. This year both my tumbling and flying skills have improved greatly. And I can’t wait to keep learning and improving. Presently, I am preparing for Summit and tryouts. One of my greatest beliefs is giving back. I remember looking up to the “big girl” cheerleaders and thinking how great they were. And it was such a big deal when they talked to or played with me.

“One of my greatest beliefs is giving back.”

So for three years now I have helped Coach our Teeny Tinys. I love them all. I come to the gym on Tuesdays just to help with them. And we go to competitions a day early so I can be with them, bring them on the mat and mirror the routine for them. Thank you for choosing me to kick off this monthly recognition. I love CHEERFIT!!!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Hannah Busillo

SHARE WHAT #CHEERFITSTRONG MEANS TO YOU:

To believe in and be thankful for yourself and others.

LIST ANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR AWARDS YOU HAVE RECEIVED, DO YOU DO ANY VOLUNTEER WORK OR NON-PROFIT WORK?

Best Buddies Walk and help coach Teeny Tinys.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

  1. Shoes
  2. Deodorant
  3. Hair Ties

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I would tell them they would be joining an amazing team and we’re not only a team, we are a family! I would tell them they would be uplifted and become stronger not only on the outside but on the inside as well. I would tell them they would be making the best decision ever!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A WORKOUT SESH?

I love to jam out to any kind of cheer mixes!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Curl ups!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

DREAM BELIEVE ACHIEVE.

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

  1. My team is going to Summit
  2. I’m an only child
  3. I was stuck in a monsoon in Costa Rica
  4. I can’t ride a bike

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

5 Things You Need to Know for Cheerleading Tryouts

5 Things You Need to Know for Cheerleading Tryouts

by | Apr 23, 2019 | Blog, Cheer tips, Fit tips, free, Parents Corner

Cheer tryouts are around the corner, and while exciting, they can also be a stressful experience – even for the most seasoned cheerleader.  But don’t sweat it, don’t let those nerves get the best of you because I am here to share my top 5 tips to help you rock tryouts with confidence and be the best athlete you can be!

After reading this blog, I bet you’ll feel prepped, ready and ready to make your dream team!

And be sure to read this entire blog – we’ve got a special gift for you after tip #5 😱! 

TIP #1: GO IN WITH CONFIDENCE 

Confidence is key! Confidence plays a huge part in your success as a cheerleader. Keep your head up, make eye contact and, of course, smile! We want you to feel on top of the world and shine like the champ you are!

So how do you remind yourself, “I’m confident, I’ve got this, I am CHEERFIT Strong” . . . with a visual reminder!

  • Grab a hair elastic (a different color than the normal black hair elastic) or get yourself our official #CHEERFITSTRONG Bands (CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR BANDS)
  • Put the bands on your wrist and use this band as a visual reminder
  • Every time you see the band, tell yourself, “I’m confident, I’m CHEERFIT Strong!
  • Wear this band as much as you can – school, practice, privates, hanging with friends – and every time you see the band, remind yourself “I’m CHEERFIT Strong!” 

TIP #2: FOCUS ON THE SKILLS THAT YOU’RE COMFORTABLE DOING – NOT NEW SKILLS THAT YOU’RE NERVOUS ABOUT

Why stress about getting that new skill? Your coaches know what you can do and what you are capable of. When you are over-focused on having to have this 1 new skill you tend to overstress and only think about getting that one skill, which causes you to lose focus on what you CAN DO.

Focus on what you can do and be confident in yourself – you will leave a better impression with the judges and you won’t add additional pressure on yourself during an already stressful situation.

TIP #3: PUMP YOURSELF BEFORE WALKING THROUGH THE DOOR AT TRYOUTS

Be your own cheerleader! 

Pump yourself up the night before tryouts AND definitely before heading into tryouts! We love to listen to fun music, dance like no one’s watching AND do mountain climbers! This exercise is amazing because you can go as fast as you want – release any stress or nerves by doing this exercise. 

As you do the exercise pump yourself up – tell yourself “I’ve got this, I am amazing, I can’t wait for tryouts”. Stand up, shake it off, SMILE, and head into tryouts feeling on top of the world! 

TIP #4: FOCUS ON FITNESS

Say it with me, “fitness build strength and strength builds confidence”! We can not stress enough how important fitness is – both physically and mentally! You want to focus on exercises that will help give you the strength and flexibility to advance your jumps, tumbling, and stunting skills! Start early, have a plan and get your cheer workouts on! 

Here are a few of our favorite cheer exercises to help you rock cheer tryouts. Do each for 10 reps x 3 rounds.

SINGLE LEG DEADLIFT

JUMP SQUATS

TURBO LUNGES 

TIP #5: HAVE A PLAN AND START NOW

The key to success is HAVING A PLAN! And yes, this is exactly why we created the 4 WEEK Tryout Prep Plan for you! It’s jam-packed with all our best tips, tools, cheer workouts, and motivation! With this plan, you will be sure to advance your skills and walk into tryouts with confidence!

Many of us know fitness is important – but how do you know what exercise will help you get your needle, advance your tumbling, and improve power & flexibility in your jumps?

And that’s exactly where our CHEERFIT 4 Week Tryout Prep Plan comes in! Check it out . . . and remember, you need a few weeks before tryouts to start preparing – time to get started! 

 

PS: We want to help you in every way that we can, get a FREE SET OF CHEERFIT STRONG BANDS when you sign up for the Tryout Prep Plan TODAY. CLICK HERE and FREEGIFT. 

The Cheer Mom’s Guide to Tryouts

The Cheer Mom’s Guide to Tryouts

by | Mar 17, 2019 | Blog, Parents Corner

“That famous 1 week in May we all know as the off-season is just around the corner.”

What are your plans for the ‘time off’ from cheer? A short family vacation? Sleeping in on the weekends? Staying FAR AWAY from makeup and hair products? Oh, your daughter is going to the gym every night this week? She has to get that next skill so she can level up at tryouts. There is no rest for the weary in all-star cheer.

Pause, laugh, and then realize that yes, this is what you sound like. This is what we ALL sound like. Crazy isn’t it?

Look I’m not going to give you a “I’m better than that” because I’m not. I was that mom. I AM that mom. I may even start a 12 step program: Cheermoms Anonymous.

After a big disappointment at “team placements” last year (they are not tryouts – everyone makes a team), I was forced to dig deep and look at my own interaction with my daughter and cheer. After dealing with her disappointment I had to get over my own. And while the road is long, I do feel I am on my way and have learned a lot that I would like to share.

TIP 1:  MORE IS NOT BETTER

The gym offers open practices, tumble and stunt classes, tryout clinics and privates every day. This is to accommodate the number of kids at the gym and make it accessible, not because they expect your child to show up every day. In fact, just because your child does not miss a day at the gym does not mean that she has a better chance of moving up to a new team or level.

TIP 2:  HAVE A PLAN

Cheerleading today is not what it used to be! As a mom, it can be frustrating (to say the least) trying to come up with the right words and advice to help your child prepare for tryouts. Even if you used to cheer back in middle school or high school, cheerleading today is NOT  what it was 10 years ago . . . the skills, rules, and athleticism have changed!

So the key is to have a plan!

Know what to do, how to help, and have a weekly plan to help your child build confidence for tryouts. I advise you to schedule a parent coaching call to get some tips from cheer fitness expert, Danielle Donovan! On these calls, Danielle will help you understand what your cheerleader is going through on the mat create a customized action plan to get tryout ready. Click here to schedule a call. 

TIP 2:  TAKE BREAKS

Let kids be kids. The research in youth sports shows that variety of activity, breaks, unstructured play and good old time off are equally beneficial, if not more, than continual training. If you have a month with no mandatory cheer, let your child go 1-2 times a week and use the other days to try something new, hang out as a family or even go on a short trip.

TIP 3:  BE A PARENT, NOT A COACH

There is nothing that your child wants more than your love and praise. Give them praise, lots of it. Comfort them when it doesn’t go their way. Don’t meet your child in the gym parking lot with 15 minutes of videos from her class to critique. Let her tell you what was a win, and what she may want to work on more.

TIP 4:  PERFECTION, NOT PROGRESSION.

This is not the time of year to cram in as many new skills as you can before evaluations. That creates undue pressure and stress for your athlete as well as for you. Help your child set some goals so that she may walk into placements confident in the skills she has and feeling comfortable about showing off. 

You can check out the CHEERFIT workouts – a great way to build strength, confidence, and get tryout ready! 

Remember why our children participate in cheer – to be a part of a team, to gain physical skills, mental endurance and confidence, and to have fun. My daughter’s coach said, “It’s not tryouts, it’s team placements. Remember she is not trying out for a team she is being evaluated to be placed on any team in the gym.”

Set goals and work toward them but also realize that team placement does not measure her ability to succeed in this sport.

DR. BLAIR GREEN PT, DPT, OCS

is a physical therapist and owner of Catalyst Physical Therapy in Atlanta, GA.  She is also the mom of CHEERFIT Ambassador Leah, who cheers for the Stingray Allstars. When she’s not busy taking care of Leah and her older brother, she keeps herself fit through Pilates, running, and OrangeTheory Fitness. Secret: she has been caught a time or two sneaking in a CHEERFIT Challenge. 

Loving these exercises and that CHEERFIT STRONG feeling? Sign up for the newsletter and we’ll send you weekly workouts, motivation – woot woot! 

Do’s and Don’ts for Parents and Coaches

Do’s and Don’ts for Parents and Coaches

by | Mar 15, 2019 | Blog, free, Parents Corner

To say the least, cheerleading practice can be overwhelming for parents as well as coaches. I am both a parent and a coach. Who better to give you tips than someone who functions in both roles? There are some things that only parents may understand, and some only coaches may understand.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to help us all coexist during practice:

FOR PARENTS

DO:

Allow the coaches to coach. Whether practice is closed or open, allow the coaches to do their job without interruptions. Nothing is more unnerving than a parent yelling corrections during their child’s practice. Athletes may get confused if you’re shouting corrections and giving instructions louder than the coach. Athletes may also find it distracting to have parents sitting in on a practice. Coaches may not always do things the way you may think they should, but every coach has a method that works for them.

“Trust them and their process.”

DON’T:

Skip out on practices. Cheerleading is a team sport, and all members are needed for the team to have an effective and productive practice. Emergencies and interruptions to schedules happen, but try not to miss unless it is absolutely necessary.

“Encourage your athlete to be physically present in mind and spirit and to practice with a purpose.”

FOR COACHES

DO: 

Come to every practice prepared. I recommend having a written plan in hand. This not only will help you stay focused; but it can also help you critique and measure your goals and progress. I have a notebook where I keep my plans and goals for each of my teams. It truly is my handy dandy notebook, and I “never leave home without it.” Athletes feed off their coach, their preparedness, and execution.

“Being prepared will help you and your team stay on task and have an effective practice.”

Also…

Make each practice an enjoyable experience. I’m in no way saying throw discipline, high expectations, and skill progression out the window. I am saying change it up according to the age and skill level. My mini’s love freeze dance. After a rough practice, I allow them to play freeze dance before leaving. My older teams enjoy having me practice with them or demonstrate for them. I also enlist the help of my parents. The dads seem to enjoy basing for their daughters, and the mothers love being a part of parent routines. I want each girl to enjoy coming to practice and leave with a smile.

“It’s a challenge, but it can be accomplished with creative thinking and planning.”

DON’T:

Disregard your parents’ concerns. Allow a time outside of practice when you are available to speak with parents to answer questions or address concerns that they may have about their child’s progress. Be up front and honest about your expectations and assessments. Most parents don’t go home and study cheerleading rules and practice procedures. We need the coach to help parents understand why there is such a thing as skill progression. “Why can’t my athlete just learn a backhand spring even though she can’t do a handstand just yet?”

“Parents will find it easier to trust you as coach if you address their concerns and you keep an open line of communication.”

COACH KELLI MARIN

Is owner and head coach Spirit Enhancers All Stars located in Portsmouth Va. Coach Kelli has been coaching for 17 years and gym owner for 11. She has received the “30 Under 30” coach of the year award awarded by Cheer ltd., top finalist for Ameri Cheer Coach of Year and 2016 choreography award recipient awarded by Eastern Cheer and Dance.

Loving these exercises and that CHEERFIT STRONG feeling? Sign up for the newsletter and we’ll send you weekly workouts, motivation – woot woot! 

Mariah Hutton

Mariah Hutton

by | Jan 19, 2019 | Ambassador

“Hard work and Dedication Pays off!”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: MARIAH HUTTON

The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.

Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Mariah was born with spirit in her eyes. she started tumbling around the house and walking on the edge of couches and doing splits when she was a three year old. She just couldn’t stop. My older son (13 year old now) had been playing little league football so I went ahead and put her in cheer for his team as their little mascot. She learned pretty quickly and fell in love with it. She did that for tow years and a friend introduced me to Cheer Eclipse. I didn’t know much about competitive cheer at the time. Her dad and I took her to open gym and a meeting. She was six years old by then and was teaching herself how to do a back bend. She was there for open gym for two hours and by the time we left she was doing a back bend walkover. The owner was pretty impressed and asked me to bring her to a class and it went from there. She has now been with Cheer Eclipse for 3 seasons going on 4. She is a flyer and helps base at times. She is such a leader and an inspiration to others. Mariah started doing heel stretches and scorpions at a young age and we didn’t really know the names of them at the time, she learned by watching on TV and watching the older girls. She was able to get her full straight Scorpion by her 2nd season of cheer.

Cheer is her life and her passion, even on her off days, she still is working on something at home.

Mariah is a perfectionist so anything she tries, she will not stop until she succeeds. Mariah is always full of fun, sass and spunk. She is super outgoing and she cares so deeply for others that if they are sad, she is sad. Cheer is her life and her passion, even on her off days, she still is working on something at home. Mariah didn’t have any issues as a young child, so we don’t really have a struggle as of now. There was a time when she first started at Cheer Eclipse she was only 1 of 2 minorities on her squad at the time so she went through an “insecurity” phase and wondered why her hair was different or why her skin color was different. There was nothing bad that had happened to her, she is a very detailed person and pays attention to everything so I think it’s something she noticed on her own. The girls there never made her feel bad, they have always made her feel welcome and part of the team and loved. They are family, they are “cheer sisters”. I’m honestly not sure why she went through this, but she did. I had to constantly talk to her to let her know she should love who she is and what she looks like no matter what her hair looks like and her skin color. Eventually she overcame that and gained her confidence again. Mariah now has more confidence than I have ever seen and she loves who she is and owns it. I am Mariah’s biggest cheerleader and she is not only an inspiration to others, she is my inspiration as well!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Mariah Hutton

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?:

Mariah did work hard at getting her scorpion to be straight and her jumps high and legs straight. She has also worked really hard on her tumbling and getting her Back handspring. She’s recently completed a full series and is super proud of herself as am I. Mariah’s words,”mom, i’m super proud of my back hand spring series!”

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU REACH YOUR GOALS?

Mariah’s words: “Since I have had to help base this season more than usual, the CHEERFIT workouts have helped me with my strength and endurance. I have gained more confidence than ever and look mom, i’ve got a sixpack!” “Being a base and using my strength from the CHEERFIT workouts have also made me work hard at my flying skills and stretching. I love the CHEERFIT flyer workouts too, I even get my mom to do some of these workouts with me.” Being a better flyer will help my bases at their job also. I will continue to do these workouts daily!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

My favorite part of being a CHEERFIT Ambassador is being a part of a community of leaders who truly love what they do and who lift each other up and inspire each other. I love how we can all give each other advise to help with whatever skill we are working on. I love how it’s a mixture of girls and boys and that we are all on the same team.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I would tell them they would be joining an amazing team and we’re not only a team, we are a family! I would tell them they would be uplifted and become stronger not only on the outside but on the inside as well. I would tell them they would be making the best decision ever!

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

hmmm… lots of bows hanging on my bag.
1. my bow box
2. lip gloss and lotion, you can’t go anywhere without those two things
3. tissues and hand sanitizer.

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

I love anything Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

I love lots of crunches and anything that helps the abs.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Hard work and Dedication Pays off!”

My brother’s basketball coach used to say that all the time and it just is the quote that me and my bother and parents all use daily!

ANY FUN FACTS, SOMETHING INTERESTING, OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

I can wrap my legs around my neck and walk around on my hands. It grosses my mom out haha. I like to play soccer, too. I’m in the 3rd grade, but I work on 4th grade math and 5th grade reading. My teachers use me to help teach other kids, which I love to do. I love to teach and help others. My teachers told my mom that I have the highest scores out of all of the 3rd grade class in my school. I have an older brother who plays basketball and he’s 13. I love my mom and dad so much! I have 2 dogs named Toby and Tara and they are my babies. I love to spend time with my friends and play outside. Yes Cheer, tumbling, dance are my life and I love them, but I also love to just be a kid and run around acting crazy. I actually love watching the news with my mom even at 9 yrs old and I love to watch 20/20. I love to be in front of the camera, not behind it and I love to take Selfies, Sing and Dance all around the house. I want to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and be a Veterinarian. I love being a part of the CHEERFIT family and being a CHEERFIT Ambassador!

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! You are so inspiring and we are so proud that you have joined the CHEERFIT family! We look forward to following your amazing journey and hope you continue to stay healthy, fit, strong, and powerful in all you do!

#CHEERFITSTRONG

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

Loving these fit tips and motivation? Become a CHEERFIT Ambassador and get instant access to the CHEERFIT Ambassador Club, exclusive content, CHEERFIT updates, and ambassador-only giveaways. Start your journey today!