I am a former competitive cheerleader and now a college cheerleader on a very competitive squad. I am a decent tumbler (think gymnastics) and for all star cheerleading I was a good stunter. (think throwing girl in air) however my stunting is not up to par for the level I am competing at.
This is part skill level, but also part size/strength.
I am 5’4 1/2" tall and weigh around 155. Now for tumbling that puts my build on the heavy side. Its not that I weigh much at all, but compared to most tumblers I am big, especially when you compare my weight to height. The problem is, weighing 155 and tumbling on a spring floor hurt my joints a little bit.
But now, I will be cheering soley on a hard mat. Its around two inches think and is placed over concrete. My joints won’t be able to handle the additional strain, at least not in there current state, if I gain too much weight.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to maximize my explosive strength, while minimizing weight gain? It sounds weird to suggest that someone my size should cut, but if it would lower my weight in body fat, then I could gain it back in muscle, which would help my stunting and not affect my tumbling too much.
What all is there to do that I could protect my joints, would something like flame out or any fish oil actually help considering the staggering amount of stress that my sport puts on my back, knees, ankles, shoulders, wrists, and elbows?
Is there anyway to strengthen my joints so that they could stand up to the abuse?
Any help would be appreciated.
***and for reference, here is a video that shows the variety of skills I am trying to develop, both tumbling and stunting. oklahoma state prelims 08 - YouTube ***