How to Cheer Without Becoming Hoarse

When preparing to cheer, some safeguards are obvious. You know that you need to stretch to protect your muscles and watch your form and landings to protect your joints. One thing that many often overlook is protecting the voice. Cheering demands a lot from your vocal chords and good form in this area is just as important for your long term health as good form in your physical cheering.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Also, avoid dehydrating substances such as caffeine, alcohol and menthol lozenges. Have water handy during the game to keep your throat well lubricated.
2. Stretch your vocal cords. Just as you would stretch your other muscles, you need to stretch your vocal muscles. Do vocal warm ups and deep breathing exercises as a squad. This prepares your voice and relaxes your muscles, including your vocal chords.
3. Save your voice. Limit the loudness during practices and save the big voice for games. During games, take turns being the main voice of the cheer. This allows each person to save their voice in turn while still keeping the energy up.
4. Project your cheer from your abdominal muscles, not your throat. If you can feel straining in your throat, you're using the wrong muscles.
5. Take advantage of amplifying tools. If you have a megaphone or a microphone, don't be afraid to use it. It doesn't make you less of a cheerleader to use a little help.