Growing up in the South, I’m no stranger to four wheelers and a little dirt! I’ve been stranded in a field of bulls at midnight and have even flipped one a time or two. However, nothing I have experienced on any Polaris would equate to my off road adventure thru the desert in Arizona.

After scouring several internet sites for “quad adventures,” I landed on the site that allowed you to “roam free” on their four wheelers. Nothing like turning loose a group of potential non-experienced riders to experience the desert alone! After signing my life away, our group was given our gear – Fox goggles and a bonafide motocross helmet! If any of us didn’t know how to ride, at least we looked like it! The only exception to this might have been the father of two of the riders who thought Velcro white tennis shoes and tight jeans were appropriate riding clothes!

After we were led down a dirt road, we arrived at a stopping point and were told, “See you back here in three hours!” Just like that…”here’s the desert, you have your water, have fun!” So…off we went and ripped through the desert paths and mountainous bases in 4^th and 5^th gear at speeds of 35 mph. Having never really experienced the desert, I felt like I was at Disney’s Big Thunder Railroad or in a Wild West movie scene….only the cacti were real and the sun was a huge obstacle at times. I now understand the reference to “sun devil” because when the sun shines off the sand that is kicked up, you are completely unaware of anything in front of you – no visibility whatsoever! The blinding sun almost caused a severe accident when I didn’t see the fork in the path and stopped about a foot short of careening over a very steep cliff that would have certainly sent me to the emergency room. This is in addition to the 80 degree vertical climb that I made in 1^st gear and the alternate descent on the other side that had me preparing to bail off the quad at any moment. This is really the only part of the ride where I thought to myself, “You have no business being out here!”

At the base of the mountain, we came to a beautiful river that took me right out of adventure mode and straight to tourist mode…snapping pictures for a good 15 minutes. Why not test the limits of my four wheeler against the power of Mother Nature? These things are made to go in the water so why not give it a whirl? The answer to this question would be because your quad will then stall, your quarter panel will float away downstream and you will be stranded with a waterlogged machine that will only power to idle! Not to mention the disapproving stares of the rest of the group when two people return on one four wheeler. Like they didn’t enjoy the extra free hour back down the mountain where the crew had to literally tip my ride upside down to drain the water!

Like nothing had happened, my quad and I (although both of us a little beaten and weathered), made it back to base camp and sheepishly parked behind the trailer. So she wouldn’t start up again…maybe she just needed a little rest? I expected to get a little heat from the owner but he looked right at my dirty face and said, “I’ve had to ride up and down the mountains for some of the girls we’ve had out here! You’re pretty good…for a girl!” Story of my life!

]]> http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/10/09/a-diva-gets-dirty-in-the-desert/feed/ 1 http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/07/25/cheer-fitness-workouts-success-with-soreness/ http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/07/25/cheer-fitness-workouts-success-with-soreness/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:42:34 +0000 admin http://cheerleading4ever.com/?p=86

Cheer Fitness Workouts – Success with Soreness!

When I first began to put together the content for a workout specifically designed for cheerleaders, I was excited about the opportunity to try it out myself and write about my experience. After doing yesterday’s lower body and core workout, I’m sore, tired and hoping that that upper body plan is a bit more forgiving.

Former cheer gym owner and personal trainer/Achieve Fitness Center owner, Vince Pannozzo, designed several different workout plans for cheerleaders. (This is also the man who trained Anna Nicole Smith in her Playboy days so I will do whatever he tells me to if it will make me look more like a pin-up!) Considering I am no longer the 4′11″, 86 pound tumbler I was many years ago, I opted opt out of the “flyer” program and focused on the plan designed for the taller girls..those of us in the back row and the foundation for all stunting.  The “base” fitness routine includes plyometrics, cardio and weight training intended to improve strength, coordination and overall body tone. I figured I’d give it a try thinking that I’m a gym regular and also a certified dance fitness instructor. No problem, right?  WRONG.

Warming up with walking lunges was a breeze and considering I somewhat enjoy these, I was happy to do a couple of laps. However, lower body is always my least favorite area to work out so when the little wooden box was wheeled out, I knew I was in trouble! I HATE JUMP SQUATS! I know that they are one of the best exercises for your lower half, but they are so tiring and once I start to lose it, I’m done. On set three of these brutal exercises, I tagged out, walked to the leg press and left set four guiltily hanging over my head like the pink elephant in the room hoping my trainer wouldn’t notice I bailed out early. After squats, leg presses, leg curls and leg extensions, it was time for the CORE!

Ab exercises have never bothered me and with the definition in my stomach decreasing rapidly thanks to finishing half eaten Happy Meals, I am all too motivated to do what is necessary to tighten it back up! Hanging knee lifts are great…you can feel them working instantaneously and for some reason, the “hanging” part makes me feel a little leaner. “V-Up’s” were next and although somewhat awkward to do, are another great waistline whittler! Bicycle kicks, “Superman” flys, a handful of ball exercises and a quick demonstration on the Ab Solo (the latest ball throwing ab machine) completed my workout when I heard, “Now on to cardio!”

Cardio? Now? My legs felt like Jell-O and my abs were on fire! Apparently it is always best to do cardio after your workout which means that I have been doing this wrong for years! I hopped up on the step mill/Gauntlet, the rotating stair machine from Hell, thinking I was going to do 30 minutes but pushed the emergency STOP button after 15! I was exhausted and even tuning into SportsCenter didn’t take my mind of the fact that I was beat! The David Beckham highlights couldn’t even keep me on that machine! I’m feeling the pain today which means I did something right although I’m a bit disappointed in myself knowing that I only gave about 75% effort. Clearly I need to step it up before next week’s upper body workout or find an hour long Beckham bio to keep me in shape !

]]> http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/07/25/cheer-fitness-workouts-success-with-soreness/feed/ 0 http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/07/25/jammin-with-jenny-my-workout-playlist/ http://cheerleading4ever.com/2008/07/25/jammin-with-jenny-my-workout-playlist/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:40:13 +0000 admin http://cheerleading4ever.com/?p=83

Jammin’ with Jenny –

My Workout Playlist!

Music is my key to a successful workout! I have pulled into the gym parking lot only to turn around and drive back home when I realize I have forgotten my iPod. I have left group fitness classes early when the playlist seems more suited for a wedding or “YMCA” is the instructor favorite! Without a steady hip hop beat, an interesting remix of my favorite 80’s tunes or a heart pounding country/rock montage, I just can’t get motivated. For those of you that share this similar philosophy, I have compiled a list of my all time favorite workout songs, taken straight off my “Fun Girl Music” and “Workout 6″ playlists!  These are the songs that get me going and keep me motivated through my entire workout! I start off with more hip hop and switch to rock mid-way through! Download and enjoy!

1. “Shake It” by Metro Station: Great warm up song that I can’t help but want to dance to while I’m doing my walking lunges! Also, the lead singer is Miley Cyrus’ brother which is intriguing to me!

1. “In the Ay-er” by  Flo Rida: I love the exaggeration of the word “air” and the creative ways he rhymes to it!

1. “Beware of the Dog” by Jamelia: Mixed in with an old Depeche Mode Song, this is the mantra for every girl every played by a guy! Song of strength!

1. “Bottoms Up” by  Keke Palmer: This is the song that keeps me going when I want to jump off the treadmill. Great dance beat and I love to sing out, “I’m bossy” or “SWAGGER” when she breaks it down!

1. “Easy” by Paula DeAnda and Lil Wayne – This is the perfect girly jam with my favorite rapper, Weezy, mixed in. Half dance/pop song and half gangsta – gotta love it!

1. “Low” by Flo Rida – I know this song is played out but how can you not want to get low when you hear the “apple bottom jeans” lyric.

1. “Get Like Me (Stuntin’ is a Habit) – David Banner featuring Chris Brown – I don’t know what it is about this song…maybe the “Chevy with the butterfly doors” combined with Chris Brown’s smooth R&B sound…makes me want to “lean wit it.”

1. “Lollipop” remix by Lil Wayne featuring Kanye West – Don’t get this confused with the radio version…this one has a better beat and is much more creative lyrically with “..tell the girl like Doritos, its nach-o cheese.”

1. “Cyclone” by Baby Bash and T-Pain – This is more what I lift weights to but is great for any girl who likes to dance!

1. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera – This is such a great song for any girl who is going though a rough time in her life. I know that I hit the punching bag a bit harder when I hear this song!

1. “Get Up” by Ciara – I can’t help but dance when I hear the theme song from my favorite movie Step-Up. Great for walking lunges!

1. “City 2 City” by Kottonmouth Kings – This is the transition song from hip hop to rock since it’s a good mix of both! It re-energizes me midway through my workout!

1. “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbed - I don’t even think I’ve listen to this entire song..I simply listen to it for the intro and the “Oh wha ah ah ah.”

1. “Fuel” by Metallica – If this doesn’t increase your heart rate, nothing will!

1. “The Diary of Jane” and “So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin – Two songs from a band that keep me going when I want to do 2 sets instead of 3!

1. “Damn Regret” and “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Another “two-fer” special off my playlist…maybe its because the first year I was a teacher, these guys went to my school or maybe because they are the “hometown heroes” in the city I live…whatever it is, these songs are deeply personal to me and they give me strength!

1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC - This song brings back great memories of cheering for high school basketball!

1. “Eight Second Ride” by Jake Owen – This is a country song but makes me feel like a tough chick!

1. “Kerosene and Lead” by Miranda Lambert - Another country song but so great!

1. “Fake It” by Seether – Learned a great dance to this song in Dance Trance. Starting to cool it down a bit now….

1. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell – No one can resist the little “bah bah” beat in this song!

1. “She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper – Yes I picked this song because it’s off one of my favorite movies, The Goonies.

1.    Dallas Cowboys – The most famous cheerleaders in the country take first place! The Cowboys Cheerleaders have sustained their popularity by keeping with the same shorts and vest combo since the early 70’s!   The blue and white looks great together and the white vest over the royal blue is very eye catching. This uniform has been at the top of the list for decades so if “it ain’t broke, why fix it?”

2.    Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs uniforms are very popular because this NFL team knows how to work with a theme! The jagged edging on the skirt and the non-traditional, almost Halloween looking top definitely gives this crew a pirate look that’s first rate!

3.    Atlanta Falcons – Although simple, these uniforms pack a presence! The glitter for these Dirty Birds really shines under the stadium lights.  The black jackets with the white trim look great over top of the red tops and give A-Town something to be proud of!

4.    Jacksonville Jaguars – Grrrr….the Jacksonville Roar takes 4th on our list! The feminine twist on the football jersey makes these uniforms a real crowd pleaser. The black against the teal is very sharp and not a common color combo. Add in a little animal print and jaguar belt buckle and we have a winning combination!

5.    Miami Dolphins –The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, another All-American classic, represent the sunshine state well! These uniforms are very bright with their white and orange highlights and are somewhat flirty to boot.  Speaking of boots, the Dolphins are famous for those white knee high uniform staples they have sported since the 70’s! The Dolphin girls certainly know how to make a SPLASH on the field!

6.    New England Patriots – There’s not much too them, but the Patriots uniforms certainly live up to their name! Not much bigger than a bathing suit, the red, white and blue uniforms make one proud to be an American! Nothing says patriotic like stars and stripes!

7.    San Diego Chargers – The Chargers uniform is an electrifying variation to traditional cheer gear. These girls wear the flirty pleated skirt popular three decades ago. With their white jackets over the minimalist Charger sports bra, it’s easy to see why this is a fan favorite!

8.    Indianapolis Colts – The ever popular blue and white uniform makes this team an NFL standout! Although similar to the Cowboys uniform, the team’s added detail to silver sparkle, especially when they’re wearing their alternative chaps and sports bra get up, is a Mid-West success!

9.    New Orleans Hornets – The “buzz” about these uniforms is that the Hornets shy away from the traditional cheer skirt in favor of thigh highs and hot pants.  The striped socks give the dancers that added sting!  The white vest with teal accents over top of all black is a knock out look!

10.    Lakers – The Lakers constantly keep things fresh by changing their uniforms!   From their shiny silver jersey dresses to the two piece ensembles that made them America’s favorite dancers in the 80’s, the Lakers round up the Top 10 list. These NBA cheerleaders know how to rock the yellow and purple and score a fashion SLAM DUNK!

In the ever popular world of athletic apparel, it is perfectly normal to see the names of teams, schools or mascots written across the backside of cheer shorts. In the cheerleading community, it is not unusual to even see these names printed on the backs of bloomers. So why did a high school team in California get suspended by administration for their surprise conclusion to a cheer routine that spelled out the school mascot on the backs of their bloomers?

The location of the letters I-N-D-I-A-N-S on the behinds of Ripon Valley High’s bloomers created a media whirlwind in the Sacramento suburb. The vice principal suspended the team, with mixed reviews, for two days after seeing the unapproved ending. He felt that the move was too suggestive and that it went against school board policy. Although many cheerleaders agreed that it perhaps wasn’t appropriate, many felt the punishment did not fit the crime. Other students and parents felt that the VP made the right decision. Was it poor judgment on the part of the cheerleaders? Sure. Did it warrant a suspension that will now be included on the college application process? I don’t think so. I would hate to think that a college admission would be contingent over the ill-fated placement of the letter “I” on the backside of someone’s bloomers.

This is a rather mundane incident amongst the several that I have seen or heard about on the news. Several years ago, Texas lawmakers attempted to pass a bill that reduced funding to schools who displayed sexually suggestive cheer routines. The San Jose State University Dance Team appeared in the national spotlight after getting suspended for the remainder of the year after performing a routine that was deemed inappropriate. Hip thrusting and “horizontal dance moves” on the floor are unfortunately all too common in all ages of cheer. Many cheer and dance teams are inspired by music videos and incorporate the exact choreography from the video directly into the cheer routine. As a former dance coach, I remember girls coming to practice with Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” video choreography perfected down to the eight-count. I am guilty of watching NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” at least 50 times to copy the boy band moves (although not suggestive I might add.) However, I also recall my mother pulling me from my fourth grade jazz class after our teacher wanted to use the slightly suggestive song “Mercedes Boy” for our recital. Although brutally embarrassing then, I now applaud her decision to not include her daughter in a somewhat evocative routine.

What is the feeling in the cheer community regarding these routines? Am I showing my age when I say that I am saddened that girls feel the need to be “cool” by continuing to test the limits of suggestive dancing? Do we need stricter rules and definitions of dance moves to clearly spell out what is and is not appropriate? Or do I need to Ti-Vo the latest Ciara or Huey video and practice my “Pop, lock and drop it?

After having a conversation with the high school cheerleader who works at the local tanning salon, I am shocked to discover that former beach bunnies and college co-eds are not the only ones who frequent the fake bake palace. There are women in their 60’s who want to be bronze beauties and sadly, girls in elementary school who are also trying to be tan. Many of these girls are cheerleaders who feel that they look better in their competition uniforms with a darker skin pigment. I understand that being a little darker hides cellulite, makes you appear thinner and looks better in pictures for the ever important world of My Space. (I admit it – my default picture was taken after spending the day at the beach.) Are elementary aged girls already concerned with these issues too? I guess I would be considered ignorant if I wasn’t already aware of this. I vividly recall going to the tanning salon and waiting behind a local high school cheerleader who was bargaining with the clerk about “trading time” from her mother’s account to her younger sister’s account. This was the first time that I was aware that it was even legal for preteens and elementary school aged children to tan. Apparently, with a parental release form, anything is possible.

After googling “cheerleading and tanning,” the very first sight that popped up was Varsity.com, the cheer industry’s powerhouse that owns EVERYTHING from NCA to uniforms. Obviously, the golden glow is heavily promoted in the cheer world! Although they offered sunless tanning solutions, I still felt it odd that an organization that deals primarily with young girls would emphasize the importance of being tan. To their credit, Varsity did stress that spray tans were the safer solution, however with the cost of one spray tan being $30 versus an unlimited tanning membership costing the same amount per month, it is easy to see why so many young girls favor the salon. Mystic Tan, marketed as the Official Tan of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and Jessica Simpson, is my sunless tan of choice. After getting a “wrist slap” from my dermatologist, I started visiting the spray tan booth more frequently and ignored the spray tan smell in exchange for healthier skin. This was a short lived experience however as my bank account could no longer afford my tanning quick fix. I understand the need to be tan, really I do, but is it worth it and at what cost?

My heart sank to my stomach as I clicked on the link entitled, “TANOREXIC Young Mother Dies of Skin Cancer.” I read the article about this young woman who died after years of tanning that started at the age of 14. The picture of her one year old daughter, who is now motherless because of a need to be tan, brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me of the time a mother stopped me in grocery store and said that she wanted to thank me. I was puzzled until she explained that her daughter heard me tell a group of girls at dance practice that I would not be visiting tanning beds anymore, favoring my Mystic Tan, after having several stitches removed earlier in that day from precancerous mole removal. She went on to explain that she really was grateful that someone changed her daughter’s opinion of fake tanning and sincerely hoped that I would continue to promote my favorite tanning sunless cream (Jergens) because it could potentially be saving the lives of many young girls.

I sit here now with a guilty conscious knowing that I have wasted more time at the beach and tanning parlor since that time than I have in a spray tan booth. I feel even worse thinking that I was looking forward to teaching my children how to surf this weekend knowing that I would be much tanner by Sunday afternoon. The “Saltwater Cowgirls” mother-daughter summer surf camp is now looking less appealing especially after a stranger remarked on how my children and I looked like the “picture perfect beach family with our healthy tans and blonde hair.” Although I have laughed and related to Kelly Ripa’s jokes about being a “tanorexic,” I suddenly feel the need to rekindle my relationship with Mystic Tan, call my dermatologist and step up on my soap box once again!

While thumbing through a catalog recently, I came across a selection of “CHEER MOM” t-shirts and bags and pondered, “Would I actually wear that?” Saying that you’re a cheer mom in the south can actually work for or against you. Amongst the cheerleading community, being a cheer mom represents dedication and support of your child. It means spending hours at cheer practices several days a week, participating in fundraisers on Saturday afternoons and of course financially supporting the endless supply list of corker bows and bloomers!

Being a cheer mom also has its negative stereotypes… no thanks to the Texas cheer mom who was jailed for attempting to hire a hit man to kill the mother of another cheerleader! Some women seem to lose focus of their children being part of a team and instead attempt to make their child, or in many cases, themselves, the star of the cheer program. At the local tanning salon, it is common practice for mothers of cheerleaders to sign their elementary school daughters up for spray tans or tanning packages before competitions. There is a nine year old girl in my community whose mother signed a wavier to allow her to tan against salon recommendations…and apparently this little girl is not the only one. At practices, I have seen five year old girls in sports bras and tiny cheer shorts which I feel is a bit much for girls in kindergarten. Last time I checked, sports bras were there to support things that girls in kindergarten and first grade do not need to concern themselves with… so it’s a bit odd to see a five year old and an 18 year old wearing the same thing.

The biggest surprise to me as been the hierarchy of cheer mom status within the cheer community. There is no doubt a competition amongst the mothers..whether it be about the skills of their child or the mother’s own appearance at the gym. It seems to be that there are three distinct groups of “cheer moms”:

1) The “team mom-fundraising-crying in the stands” parent – These moms are the ones who sit through every practice in the non-air conditioned gyms to see their child genuinely succeed in their sport (and yes it is one.) These are the moms that carry the cheer mom bags with the team sponsored water bottles in them and the moms that spend hours making bows for the team! In my opinion, probably the most neutral of all species of cheer moms.

2) The “former cheerleader-glamour queen” parent – Many moms of cheerleaders participated in the sport themselves so often times there is a sense of almost entitlement there…as if their daughter should be the flyer or front and center in the dance routine. There is definitely a group of moms who congregate together in the cheer gym who stereotypically would probably have been the prom queens and captains of their own high school squads. There are no shortages of heels, expensive jeans or lip glosses in this group. (I have to admit that I feel a bit of pressure to “clean up” before taking my daughter to practice.) I actually saw one of these mothers at the beach one afternoon in HIGH HEELS and a bikini asking her daughter to cartwheel in the sand.

3) The “high pressure-you will do a back tuck” parent – I am specifically thinking of the mother who I saw stand over her daughter yelling on a tumble mat after her daughter could not get her back tuck. After a two hour practice and a full day of school, I can’t imagine why a 6^th grader would have difficulty failing throwing herself into a back flip after attempting it and exhausting herself 42 times earlier in the night! This is the mother who refuses to leave practice until the extra set of ab exercises is performed or whose child perfects the latest tumbling pass. This species of cheer mom tends to be the parent that most often fights with coaches over technique or who becomes the coach’s best friend in an attempt to push their child to the top of the cheer world. I can’t help but think that “crazy Texas cheer mom” fell into this category or if David Archuletta from American Idol was a cheerleader, his father would DEFINITELY be in this group!

It boils down to this…do I buy the cheer mom shirt or simply promote the cheer gym??? I’ll let the audience decide!

Read more on the Cheerleading scene LINK

1. Confidence Breeds Success- Be proud of your abilities as a cheerleaders and be confident in every move that you make. When a difficult stunt is thrown at you, be confident that you are the right person for the job and that you can complete the task at hand. Make sure you talk the talk and cheer the cheer.

2. Smile!!- No one wants to see a sad cheerleader. That’s why the word cheer is in the word, ok maybe not but smiling is key to putting the crowd in a good mood. Also make sure your smile is genuine. Don’t over-do it and make sure it’s relaxed so that you can prove to the judges that you truly love what you’re doing and not just faking it.

3. If You Don’t Stick the Landing…Keep Going!- Just because a landing didn’t go as planned and everything didn’t turn out perfect doesn’t mean you should just give up. Judges like to see perseverance in a cheerleader and seeing that you can overcome a mistake and still put on an awesome performance says a lot about your character.

4. Ask Questions- Don’t be shy or embarrased that you don’t fully understand a routine or what is going on in a tryout. Make sure you make yourself heard and fully comprehend what is going on. If you don’t you will look lost and confused and more embarrassed than if you asked the question.

5. Stand Out!!- Make sure the judges and instructors can see just who you are and how good you are. Don’t fade in the back where you’re best moves won’t be showcased. It doesn’t matter if you make some mistakes that probably wouldn’t be seen in the back, instructors are looking for cheerers who show that character that they love to be seen and perform well in the spotlight.

So there you go, my tips on being the best you can be. So now, go out there with the right positive mental attitude, proper physical shape, and perform you’re best!

By Sean Connolly

Patel, who is a Clemson graduate, has 12 years of cheerleading experience. She has worked for Varsity Spirit as a choreographer and a camp instructor. She has judged competitions across the country and even taught cheerleading internationally. Patel has also taught safety, nutrition and coaches seminars throughout the southeast. “I am extremely excited to be the head cheerleading coach at my alma mater,” said Patel. “I look forward to continuing Clemson’s great cheerleading tradition and helping make all of our venues even more spirited.”

Listen to Dipali in her podcast above.