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Ambassador Feature: Aspen Henschel

by | Jun 4, 2017 | Ambassador, Blog

“Dream it – believe it – achieve it”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: ASPEN HENSCHEL

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?

I have been cheering for about 9 years now. I’ve over come many things during those 9 years. I’m the type of cheerleader who lets myself get hurt rather then any of my team mates.

I’ve had 4 concussions, a pulled MCL and two broken fingers. Right now I’m battling a bruised elbow, but I can still cheer. Those injuries made it hard but I never gave up on cheer and I’m glad I didn’t. I cheer for my cousin Gavin who battles brain cancer at the age of 8. I even gave him a National Champion jacket I won three years ago, when he was taken to the hospital while I was at the National competition. All the injuries and bad things that have happened have set me back but I continue to push.

Without fitness I would not be the cheerleader I am today 🙂

I’ve learned that cheerleading is a great way to just forget about everything that is happening and to take time for myself.

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Aspen Henschel

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?

I want everyone to know that I’m here for them. I take a chance at community service if it’s offered to me because I love to help people. Anybody who needs to talk to someone or needs help I’m always here:)

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS? 

I’m going to be a junior in high school and I have made varsity all three years so far. Also including all jr high years. I’ve made the UCA all American cheer team for two years. I’ve won 5 total national titles in my cheer career and this year winning the US Finals Champion title.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I get to help other cheerleaders near and far. I hope to inspire others by being a CHEERFIT Ambassador.

BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED ME . . .

Become a better person. I feel helping others helps me also.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHERS WHO WANT TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR?

Apply! I’m so happy I am one. It will make you a better cheerleader and person in general.

WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Shoes (titans)
Mints
Sweat pants

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

The Cute by Lady Gaga

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Crunches

Thank you so much for sharing your story Aspen! We love that you hope to inspire others through CHEERFIT! We hope you continue to share your cheer journey with us and let us know of all of your future accomplishments. We’re so happy to have you in the CHEERFIT family!

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!

Eating For Practice

Eating For Practice

by | May 26, 2017 | Blog, Cheer tips, Fit tips

Hey team!

We’ve noticed that you have lots of questions about how to best maintain that healthy, active lifestyle that you embrace and share with your friends in the cheerFIT community. Today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different, even conflicting answers you can find to seemingly simple questions on the internet, such as “How can I eat to maximize my performance?”, or “Do I really need a rest day, and does active rest count?”. Each month, I’ll be weeding through research evidence and giving you the facts straight from the scientists’ work itself – both what you want to hear and maybe what you don’t – for questions asked by you, our incredible cheerFIT ambassadors and parents!

This month, you asked: What should I eat before and after practice?

The truth is, there is no one right way to eat before or after practice. The relationship between how you fuel yourself and exercise depends on many different factors, such as 1) the type of exercise (e.g. endurance training versus high intensity or cardio training) both the day of and during the next planned physical activity period, 2) the time of day, and 3) your own biology (e.g. if you have any health conditions that require a special diet). You will learn what works for you over time and by trying new ideas.  While figuring it out, try following some of the following rules supported by research:

Eat your fruits, vegetables and legumes. Your muscles use glycogen as a fuel source, and although your muscles can replenish a small amount of glycogen used by? themselves, they need your help. Carbohydrates contain glucose, which is used to produce glycogen. Carbohydrates before a workout help to ensure that glycogen is readily available for your muscles. Carbohydrates after your workout replenish the glycogen spent to keep your muscles going. Unrefined carbohydrates, both simple and complex (for quick and sustained release of energy), are your best choice – so fruits, vegetables and legumes are great! What’s more, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, nutrients, fiber and antioxidants (depending on the fruit/vegetable) that your body needs for a variety of processes.

Make friends with carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your friend, and they go great with protein for some double-duty muscle care. A large amount of carbohydrates is required to replenish glycogen stores – this amount is likely more than you can reasonably eat. At the same time as replenishing glycogen stores, you also want to support the building of muscle-protein. As such, pairing carbohydrates with protein in the hours immediately after practice can help you do both! As always, pick lean proteins! You can also eat protein throughout the day to promote muscle-protein building all day long. Since most of you have high intensity training sessions consecutively or on consecutive days – between cheer practice, tumbling practice and conditioning sessions (not to mention those cheerFIT challenges!) – it’s important to know that eating carbohydrates and protein during early recovery has been shown to help your performance during the next activity session.

Drink your water! But you know that already 🙂

Don’t forget electrolytes! While you hydrate, also focus on getting in electrolytes to fend off muscle cramps or soreness. This can be in liquids like rooibos teas, or in those fruits and vegetables you are eating (for example: bananas are a prime example of a great source of potassium). Be cautious of many highly-advertised sports drinks, as they can be high in refined sugar.

References available upon request.

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!

Brieanne

Brieanne is a former cheerleader, sprinter and football player who is currently completing her PhD in Population Health at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada. A ‘scientist-in-training’, Brieanne has a public health and epidemiology background, and extensive research experience. Brieanne will be putting her research and knowledge translation skills to work to find good, scientific evidence to answer your questions about health and fitness. Today she stays fit through a combination of weight lifting, sprint training, HIIT, pilates, yoga, and most outdoor sports (e.g. running, hiking, skiing, climbing), depending on what the weather is like!

Ambassador Feature: Belle Fabian

by | May 21, 2017 | Ambassador, Blog

“. . .anything is possible with a positive attitude and effort.”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: BELLE FABIAN

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?

Being physically fit took on a new meaning for me in December of 2015 when my father who was 45 at the time suffered two heart attacks and had to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. Learning that his heart disease was inherited had made me understand that this could happen to me. I believe to this day that my dad recovered from his surgery as quickly as he did because he did exercise regularly.

Knowing that his condition was not from eating poorly or lack of physical activity makes me wonder what would have been the outcome if he didn’t eat the right foods or exercise. Seeing what he has gone through has opened my eyes to making better choices in my lifestyle, which was one of the reasons I wanted to be part of CHEERFIT. I have learned the importance of going for check-ups regularly and choosing a healthy lifestyle when I am inside or outside of the gym.

I want not only athletes to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, but people in general.

I continue to thank God that my father is still here on earth to love me, guide me, and to set a good example for me. He has taught me that things will happen but there is no obstacle to big to overcome and that anything is possible with a positive attitude and effort.

– CHEERFIT Ambassador, Belle Fabian

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? 

This December I hyperextended my left knee at practice. I rested it over the holiday break and thought that it was healed. Unfortunately, when practices started after the break, I started having extreme pain in both of my knees. At first I though my right knee was compensating for the injury in my left knee, but the pain just kept getting worse. They hurt so bad that I stopped throwing running tucks altogether. Thus, I have my first mental block.

I went to see the doctor and he said that my pain was stemming from having what is called Osgood-Schlatter Disease. This is a condition that occurs during growth spurts when bones, muscles, tendons and other structures are changing rapidly. Since hearing the diagnoses, I have rested my knees as much as possible, icing them in the morning and at night and I apply heat to them before I practice. The pain is still there and will continue to be until I am done growing. I have learned better how to manage the pain and have recently started tumbling again.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER OR NONPROFIT AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?

I really enjoy spending time at my little brother’s school each week. I help in his classroom from correcting papers, helping with classroom projects, working the concession stands at school events, to helping students one on one with school work. I am also a Love Em With Kindness Ambassador and have helped with various fundraisers for people who have lost all belongings due to a flood, sending a care package to a fellow cheerleader who is battling cancer, sending gift cards to help buy school supplies and clothing for underprivileged kids, and I brought breakfast to the medics at my brothers race track.

My gym also sponsors an orphanage for Christmas where we bring in gifts for the kids. One of my favorite things I have done this year is bringing treats to my local fire department on 9/11. I had the opportunity to spend time talking with them! I am very excited about the service project that I will be doing which is bringing a fruit basket to the nurses and doctors of the cardiac care unit, which took such good care of my father.

This year I have set a goal for myself and would like to work with the American Heart Association and raise awareness of the leading cause of death of both men and women which is heart disease.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

As well as working hard as an athlete, I also work hard at getting good grades at school and have maintained getting straight A’s so far!!! I have also received the President’s Award for Academic Achievement, and I have won the scholar athlete award at my gym two times!! I am a Love Em With Kindness Ambassador and have been a Chassé Athlete for the last two years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

 My favorite part about being a CHEERFIT Ambassador is spreading the word that fitness is a key part of cheerleading. Staying in shape not only helps with the your mind and muscles happy but also makes for a healthy happy heart. Also, I look forward to the weekly challenges. Though they may often be tough, CHEERFIT makes them fun to do. Who doesn’t like contests? CHEERFIT often has contests that you can enter and win great prizes.

HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU?

Being an ambassador has helped me understand that every athlete goes through tough times . . .whether it be an injury, a mental block, or just having a hard time achieving a skill. I have learned that my CHEERFIT family is here to support me. They have given me advice on how to strengthen my body so it will heal faster to simply encouraging me to push through. How can you go wrong with being part of such a motivational group!?

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

I would tell anyone that wants to become a CHEERFIT ambassador to go for it! CHEERFIT is not just a program that helps you reach your goals, but we are like a family. We are here to encourage and support one another.

WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Colorful shoelaces to switch in and out of my shoes, pre-wrap (for my knees), and headbands to keep my hair out of my face!

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

I love to listen to cheer music when I work out, and my favorite mix hands down is TGLC’s music from 2014-15

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“The road to athletic greatness is not marked by perfection, but the ability to constantly overcome adversity and failure.” – Nike

Thank you so much for sharing your story Belle! You are such an amazing person and ambassador and we are so lucky to have you in the CHEERFIT family! We love how passionate you are about causes you believe in . . .and on top of that, you are always so warm and welcoming to new ambassadors who join CHEERFIT. Thank you for being such a huge part of the #CHERFITfam and always spreading the awareness of fitness to others.

You’re a true leader and a rockstar!

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

cheerFIT is so much more than just a workout brand – we are a lifestyle, a community and an inspiration. We are a community who is strengthened through fitness – both mentally and physically. It is our mission to spread the awareness that cheerleaders need fitness.  We are dedicated to building a community of strong, powerful individuals who are a true inspiration to their team and leaders in their community. Together we are disrupting the traditional methods of fitness training and revolutionizing the way people think about cheerleading and their fitness needs! Are you the next cheerFIT Ambassador? Apply today.

Ambassador Feature: Kloey & Christy Arnett

by | May 14, 2017 | Ambassador, Blog

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: KLOEY & CHRISTY ARNETT

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.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are featuring one of our awesome CHEERFIT mom and daughter duos! Presenting one of our very first CHEERFIT ambassadors, Christy Arnett and daughter Kloey in this week’s Ambassador of the Week feature!

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

Christy – I started cheering in middle school through high school and then I cheered at The Ohio State Univeristy. During that time I also started coaching high school and all star cheerleading. Fitness and cheerleading have always been a part of my life and something that I have enjoyed. It was not only fun for me but I enjoyed having a positive impact on kids. All cheerleaders and coaches have struggles and I think that is the challenge of the sport and what makes us better is how we work through and overcome those struggles.

My daughter Kloey started taking gymnastics as soon as she could walk at 13 months old. From there it was in her blood to be a cheerleader (her dad and I both cheered at The Ohio State University and coached all star cheerleading together). Finally, at the age of 3 I let her tryout for a tiny team and she has loved every minute of it since. It’s hard learning new skills and routines at a young age plus dealing with “grown up” pressures of competing but as a mom/coach I really try to keep everything age appropriate for her.

We try to keep it positive and keep encourging her to be her own person and work through her own struggles at her own pace.

It’s really all about balance and having fun.

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Kloey & Christy Arnett

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER OR NONPROFIT AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?

Christy – I am currently the Rebel Athletic Territory Manager in Ohio and Kentucky. I love working for a company that has such a positive impact on athletes of all ages and levels. We focus on making athletes not only look good but feel good in their apparel as well as supporting #rebelagainstbullying campaign. There’s so much more to being a cheerleader these days and we really care about the athlete.

Kloey – Also, dances at our local YMCA branch and loves school. She is a leader when it comes to her friends and team sports and is always encouraging and positive. She is so positive her nickname is “Poppy” from the movie Trolls.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

Kloey – My team and I won 4 National Titles this year!

BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED ME. . .

Kloey – get stronger and challenge me do something active everyday even if I am in the gym or not. I know others are counting on me and looking at me to help them get better too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

Christy – I love being a part of something that encourages young athletes to better themselves not only during their season/training, but in life in general. Making these healthy changes a habit at a young age is going to stick with them as them grow into adults as well. The love of health, fitness and being the best person you can be will only keep spreading.

Kloey – I love working out and encouraging others to get healthier and stronger. Plus its fun that I get to workout with my mom.

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

Kloey – It’s a lot of fun and you get to meet a lot of new great people from all different places that love cheer and fitness too.

WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Kloey – Always in my Rebel Dream Bag are my Cheer Shoes, Tissues and hairspray
Christy – Always in my Rebel Dream bag are chapstick, Rebel Charger and business cards

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

All About That Base

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Kloey – Burpees

FUN FACTS:

Christy – I am also a Beachbody Coach and own Rock Star FIIT. I focus on quick workouts for busy moms and workouts that include moms and kids. It is great to get the whole family involved and Kloey and I have been doing these workouts since she’s been a baby. With 3 very busy kids, it’s hard to find the time to workout. All of my workouts are 30 minutes or less!

I was one of the very first CHEERFIT Ambassadors and now my daughter Kloey is one too. We are so excited to be on this journey together spreading the love of cheer and fitness and encouraging moms/daughtes/athletes to make themselves stronger.

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story Christy and Kloey! You are so inspiring – we LOVE ‘fit fams’ and we LOVE that you you both support each other in your fitness journeys! Thank you for being a part of the CHEERFIT family from the very beginning. . .we are lucky to have you both and look forward to your fitness journey with us!

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

cheerFIT is so much more than just a workout brand – we are a lifestyle, a community and an inspiration. We are a community who is strengthened through fitness – both mentally and physically. It is our mission to spread the awareness that cheerleaders need fitness.  We are dedicated to building a community of strong, powerful individuals who are a true inspiration to their team and leaders in their community. Together we are disrupting the traditional methods of fitness training and revolutionizing the way people think about cheerleading and their fitness needs! Are you the next cheerFIT Ambassador? Apply today.

Ambassador Feature: Ella Robertson

by | May 7, 2017 | Ambassador, Blog

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: ELLA ROBERTSON

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?

I love cheerleading….with all my heart. I want to be in the gym working on my tumbling, jumps, and stunts 24/7 if I could. I have always pushed myself to be the best I can be.

This year I competed individually in the Cheer Ltd. Nationals At Canam for the first time. It was the first time anyone from my gym had competed in the individual competition. It was am amazing experience to say the least! To be able to compete with the top cheerleaders was such an honor and something I will never forget. I walked away placing 3rd in my division, but I took away so much more. I have even more of a drive to get better. I have more drive to be FIT. I have more drive to compete on a whole new level.

CHEERFIT is helping to reach my dreams of becoming a better athlete, a better teammate, a better motivator, and a better person.

I can’t wait to see what my future in CHEERFIT holds!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Ella Robertson

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER OR NONPROFIT AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?

My small community is AMAZING! We have the best gym and coach in the world! Zach Grider encourages all his athletes to not only be the best cheerleader, but also in life. He encourages me everyday. I am very involved in my church youth group each week. I am going on my first mission trip this summer!! I CANNOT wait!

I also help my grand-dad (Poppy) work God’s Food Pantry. I help stock the shelves with food donated from our community to help families in need. I also take time to visit with my 99 year old Grandma Stephens as often as I can. She is truly an inspiration to our family. Since I have younger siblings, I help my mom out around the house. Being a big sister is a lot of work something and definitely keeps me on my toes!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

This season, I placed 7th in my region High School Swim for 100M Freestyle. Both of my relay teams made it to state as well this year! I am so proud of my team! I place 3rd at Nationals in individual cheer, all while keeping my GPA at 3.8. In my school I was chosen by my peers as Ms.7th grade and was nominated for Homecoming as well.

BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED ME. . .

. . .become a better leader for my cheer squad, my peers, and my community. It has motivated me to being stronger and more FIT.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

I love getting the encouraging emails and messages. I love the CHEERFIT community that has introduced me. It would be great to meet some of the other Ambassadors in person!! Being a CHEERFIT Ambassador is such as honor. I think of the other Ambassadors as role models for myself as well.

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

lf you want to become a CHEERFIT Ambassador, I would encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and fill out the application. You will NOT regret it!! The CHEERFIT Ambassador family is just that….a FAMILY. It’s just an amazing experience to be involved in.

WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

  1. Deodorant (because if you work hard at practice you sure don’t want to stink! haha!!)
  2. Extra Hair tie (because any cheerleader knows you can never have too many!!)
  3. Extra change of practice clothes (I want to make sure i’m always prepared for an extra “surprise” practice that wasn’t on the schedule)

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

The Motto by Drake

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

Candle-Sticks

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

Some things I enjoy doing outside of the gym is swimming on my community summer swim team and high school swim team, reading a good book, and I love watching beauty tip videos! I love doing other people’s makeup and learning more how each product works.
I love watching the TV show about the All Star gym called the Sharks on Netflix. My life dream would be to cheer on an All-Star team as long as I could then become a coach. The relationship my coach (Zach Grider) and I have is unbelievable. I talk to him everyday. He is not only my coach but one of my best friends. I respect him and love him. He is just as passionate about cheer as I am and he encourages me everyday!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

When people think of me, I want them to think of a hard worker that does her best in everything she does. I want to be known as a good Christian that stands up for what she believes in. Growing up in today’s world is tough for kids. I want to inspire kids, to encourage them. Every child has the potential to grow and better themselves. CHEERFIT is one of the ways that will definitely better me…and I want to share that help with others!

Thank you so much for sharing your story Ella! You are so inspiring and we love your passion for life and the outlook you have on motivating others! We also love that you are involved in your community – we believe that while achieving success, it’s always important to give back in other ways as well. We are so honored to have you as a CHEERFIT ambassador, and we look forward to your many future accomplishments! 🙂

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

cheerFIT is so much more than just a workout brand – we are a lifestyle, a community and an inspiration. We are a community who is strengthened through fitness – both mentally and physically. It is our mission to spread the awareness that cheerleaders need fitness.  We are dedicated to building a community of strong, powerful individuals who are a true inspiration to their team and leaders in their community. Together we are disrupting the traditional methods of fitness training and revolutionizing the way people think about cheerleading and their fitness needs! Are you the next cheerFIT Ambassador? Apply today.

Ambassador Feature: Ocean Henthorn

by | Apr 30, 2017 | Ambassador, Blog

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.”

CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: OCEAN HENTHORN

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?

I’ve spent 5 years trying to find a cheer home. I have went through 4 gyms in 5 years, not because I left but everybody else in my gym did.

The training has taken a toll on me physically. I have overcome a broken foot, finger, and several sprained ankles. My body hurts a lot, and I’m thankful my mom takes the time to massage me.

This year I tried out for Cheer Athletics – they just opened a gym in Columbus. I was so excited not only to make a Sr 4, but to secure a spot as a flyer. This is a HUGE honor!

We have had a rough season. . . I fell on my face doing a toe hand tuck in the first comp. I have never done that in 5 years of cheer! Even though, I was upset and frustrated – I picked myself up, stayed positive, and kept going strong.

I’m still perfecting that it’s just a mental block I’m working through, but I keep doing it over and over until I can’t get it wrong.

Our team has had several people quit – not everyone can handle the pressure. You have to be physically and mentally strong, but we kept going as a team!

The best days of my life were at NCA in Dallas. We finally put all of the training and hours and hours of practice together we hit 0 both days and as a first year gym, first year team – we WON! We are the first team ever in the state of Ohio to win at NCA. I still can’t believe we made cheer history!

I finally found my home at Cheer Athletics and can’t wait to.see what’s in store for me and my teammates!

– CHEERFIT Ambassador Ocean Henthorn

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?

I’m a soccer goalie and I just applied to be a CA icon to help in my community! I am passionate about not texting while driving. My mom has been rear-ended 2 times. It’s dangerous to be on the roads because people are too distracted by their phones!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

Winning NCA, I’m a distinguished student at Orange middle I take my grades seriously and have made all A’s this year. I also think it’s a huge accomplishment to overcome a mental block which I had with toe hand tucks. Your thoughts are everything when you cheer – you have to be confident with yourself and this year has been the toughest but most rewarding.

BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED ME. . .

Get fit, interested in challenges and feel more confident about my athletic abilities.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?

Having the opportunity to be a leader, and getting others involved in what I’m passionate about by motivating others.

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

It’s fun and it’s a honor spread the word. I did, and lots of people in my gym signed up.

WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?

Tape, bows and an extra sports bra!

FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:

Run this Town Tonight by Kanye, JZ and Rihanna

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?

9 lines

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

I love to take my moms hot yoga class. I meditate before practice and before I compete. My favorite day is Sunday Family day – my dad cooks Amazing! My friends are really important to me and I need to laugh more . . . my mom tells me I’m too serious and that I have always been that way since I was a baby!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I want to bring awareness to cheer and that it is a sport and we are athletes! I have learned so many valuable lessons being involved in this sport. As I grow older, I hope to inspire the younger girls to consider cheer and hopefully one day be a role model like the ones I look up to!

Thank you so much for sharing your story Ocean! We love your message about creating the awareness that cheerleading is a sport and just how hard working and dedicated cheer athletes are! We look forward to following your cheer journey and can’t wait to see what you’re up to next!  🙂

Stay FIT <3,

your CHEERFIT team

cheerFIT is so much more than just a workout brand – we are a lifestyle, a community and an inspiration. We are a community who is strengthened through fitness – both mentally and physically. It is our mission to spread the awareness that cheerleaders need fitness.  We are dedicated to building a community of strong, powerful individuals who are a true inspiration to their team and leaders in their community. Together we are disrupting the traditional methods of fitness training and revolutionizing the way people think about cheerleading and their fitness needs! Are you the next cheerFIT Ambassador? Apply today.