Why Is Cheerleading Better Than Gymnastics

Words: 693
Pages: 3

Joshua Blythe
Dr. Ha-Birdsong
Engl 1113
11 November 2016
Cheerleading vs. Gymnastics For as long as I can remember cheerleaders and gymnasts have argued about which sport was harder. But in my opinion they are both equally hard. I started out as a gymnast when I was 9. Later I became a cheerleader and did both for an equal amount of time. The amount of strength and aggression it takes from each sport is incredible. Both sports are very technique oriented so every skill has to have good coordination and timing. Gymnasts tend to be judged more harshly on technique and body control while cheerleaders get judged more on synchronization of a routine and performance. Gymnastics is a very popular sport all around the world. Those who have
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When most people think about cheerleading they think about the “glitz and glam” that they see at football games or basketball games but in reality that isn't all cheerleading is about. Cheerleading similar to gymnastics except Cheerleaders do not complete on different apparatus. They do all of their skills on the flat surface of a competition mat, athletic court or the track in front of a field, such as a football field. Cheerleaders do incorporate tumbling and jumps that are very similar to those used in gymnastics; however, that is where the similarities end. Cheerleaders use their voices along with choreographed motions in an attempt to get the crowd to cheer along with a game. Cheerleading also involves stunting, where either one cheerleader or a group of cheerleaders lifts or tosses another cheerleader into the air. Stunting, tumbling, and jumping are all elite skills that take a tremendous amount of practice and technique (Kastner). While gymnastics is more of an individual sport, cheerleading requires a group effort to make a good routine. Teamwork is very important quality a cheerleader needs to have. A cheerleading squad performs together as a unit at games and competitions. Therefore in cheerleading, synchronization and uniformity are much more important than in gymnastics. Cheerleading and gymnastics are both very competitive sports. People often look past how much talent, and hardwork these sports take. Once you get past the stereotypical gymnast or cheerleader you will realize that cheerleading and gymnastics are one of the hardest and most dangerous sports out