Practice is your time in the day to focus on athletic activity, be with your friends, and get a break from the grueling school day. It’s not a fashion show, but you should be somewhat prepared for practice every day.
Here are some quick tips on how to look and feel great at cheerleading practice as you head into the spring and summer months!
Wear comfortable clothes.
Consider garments made of microfibers that pull moisture away from your skin and keep you dry. Ladies, now is the time to invest in a good workout bra if you don’t already own one. Make sure to wear your cheer or dance shoes, and you might want to bring some running shoes if you know you’re going to run the mile for conditioning.
Wash your make-up off!
Or better yet, don’t put any on! Practice is not a place to pick up boys. It may sound strange to you now, but taking your make-up off will actually make you look better when you start to get sweaty. Skipping on the mascara will prevent black sweat smudges on your face, and skipping on make-up altogether will prevent clogged pores from sweat and make-up mixing together and causing breakouts! Also, if you’re practicing outside, make sure to apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Start saving your skin now!
Pull your hair back off of your face.
If it’s long enough, put it up in a ponytail. If it’s too short for a ponytail, use a couple of clips to keep fly- ways out of your eyes! Not only is loose hair distracting, but the mixture of products in your hair plus sweat can lead to breakouts as well!
Drink lots and lots of water.
Besides the obvious benefits of water for keeping you hydrated, it will also keep you from looking too flushed. Prevent the cracked-lip look by applying lip balm to keep your lips soft and moist.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep a hand towel with you to wipe sweat from your face while you’ve been stunting. Touching your face after touching the ground or your sweaty teammates may spread acne-causing bacteria!
Hit the showers ASAP after practice.
Washing with a mild cleanser will clear your skin of dirt and sweat and you can get breakouts from your dirty practice clothes rubbing against your skin!