A Beginner's Guide to Strength Gains

  Whether it be stunting, tumbling, or dancing, strength is a key component to being a better athlete. This guide is meant to give beginners a place to start for training their bodies to put on muscle and be stronger. Planning, workout execution, and nutrition all play a role in muscle gains, and when done properly can propel your muscle gains to a level higher than ever thought possible.

        Workout execution is not only how a workout is performed, but when it is performed. One of the worst things a beginner can do is to go to the gym without a plan. Planning workouts will get maximum results from workouts and help to prevent over training and injury that will keep you away from your fitness and strength goals. To figure out a workout plan there are many resources. When going to the gym, look for the person who is lifting the most weight and looks strong and ask questions.  Most people are happy to share what they know and are flattered to be asked how they got to be where they are. Doing online research and reading is another great way to figure out a plan that works for you. There are countless articles on strength training out there. Figure out a workout that is within your means and go from there. Whether that is lifting weights at a gym or doing body weight exercises in the living room, there is a workout for everyone.

 The authors

- former High School Cheerleader

-former University of Missouri Cheerleader

-UCA staff and Head instructor 7 years

-10 years experience coaching at the High School, College, and Competitive level of Cheerleading