028 Maria the Cheer Doctor - Can Judges Tell If Your Team Strength Trains?

When a stunt feels shaky, a jump lacks height, or execution begins to fade, coaches often respond with more repetitions. But what if the real problem isn’t cleaning… it’s strength?In this episode, Mimi sits down with physical therapist and former Ohio State cheerleader Maria Wisman, better known as The Cheer Doctor, to explore how strength training directly affects what we see on the competition floor.They discuss why every cheerleader (including flyers!) belongs in the weight room, how coaches can make strength training manageable within an already busy practice schedule, and why simply lifting your flyer at practice doesn’t count as a strength program.Mimi and Maria also revisit Maria’s own Ohio State routine and review a listener-submitted routine to break down how strength, power, and physical preparation show up through jumps, stunts, motions, landings, and execution under fatigue.Because sometimes, your athletes don’t need more reps. They need more strength.TakeawaysStrength training can simplify the approach to cheerleading and improve athletic performance.Starting strength training at a young age can be beneficial for athletes in developing physical qualities necessary for success. Structured strength training is essential for efficiency and injury prevention.Balancing rest, recovery, and training is crucial for long-term success in cheerleading.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Strength Training Takeaway00:53 The Journey to Cheerleading02:54 The Birth of The Cheer Doctor04:25 Misconceptions About Cheerleading05:59 Physical Needs of Cheer Athletes06:41 Strength Training for Cheerleaders08:09 Access to Resources for Cheer Teams09:28 The Impact of Strength Training on Performance10:53 Starting Strength Training at a Young Age12:03 Myth of Bulking Up from Strength Training13:30 Overcoming Intimidation in the Weight Room16:00 Basic Strength Training Tips17:26 The Importance of Rotation in Training19:09 Watching the UCA Nationals Routine23:27 Strength Training vs. Repetition24:32 Structured Strength Training25:22 Sports-Specific Training Misconceptions26:22 Differentiated Training for Bases and Flyers27:16 Team Training and Vibe30:33 Basics of Strength Training32:14 Importance of Rest and Recovery33:23 Injury Prevention and Recovery40:06 Jumps and Power43:32 Strength Training Considerations45:04 Overlooked Muscle Groups45:41 Key Exercise and Conditioning Drill