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.

Takeaways

• Strength 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.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Strength Training Takeaway
• 00:53 The Journey to Cheerleading
• 02:54 The Birth of The Cheer Doctor
• 04:25 Misconceptions About Cheerleading
• 05:59 Physical Needs of Cheer Athletes
• 06:41 Strength Training for Cheerleaders
• 08:09 Access to Resources for Cheer Teams
• 09:28 The Impact of Strength Training on Performance
• 10:53 Starting Strength Training at a Young Age
• 12:03 Myth of Bulking Up from Strength Training
• 13:30 Overcoming Intimidation in the Weight Room
• 16:00 Basic Strength Training Tips
• 17:26 The Importance of Rotation in Training
• 19:09 Watching the UCA Nationals Routine
• 23:27 Strength Training vs. Repetition
• 24:32 Structured Strength Training
• 25:22 Sports-Specific Training Misconceptions
• 26:22 Differentiated Training for Bases and Flyers
• 27:16 Team Training and Vibe
• 30:33 Basics of Strength Training
• 32:14 Importance of Rest and Recovery
• 33:23 Injury Prevention and Recovery
• 40:06 Jumps and Power
• 43:32 Strength Training Considerations
• 45:04 Overlooked Muscle Groups
• 45:41 Key Exercise and Conditioning Drill