Episodes

  • Episode 141 Recovery Isn't Rest: How Proper Recovery Keeps Cheerleaders Healthy and Injury-Free
    Jan 28 2026

    Recovery isn’t the same as rest—and it deserves its own place in cheer training.

    In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, we break down what recovery actually is, what it isn’t, and why skipping recovery increases the risk of overuse injuries. You’ll learn how gentle movement, breathing, hydration, and nervous system regulation help cheerleaders feel better, train better, and stay on the mat longer.

    This episode is especially helpful for cheer parents and coaches who want to know when soreness is normal, when it’s not, and how recovery prepares the body for the next practice—not just the end of today’s workout.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and make sure you're subscribed.

    Want to learn more about the $5 Injury Prevention Starter Kit for Cheer Moms?

    Connect with Laura at LTTheCheerPT.comHave an injury, flexibility or strength questions Ask A PT HERE

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    23 mins
  • Episode 140 Warm-Ups Aren’t About Stretching: How Cheerleaders Should Actually Prepare to Train
    Jan 22 2026

    Warm-ups aren’t about stretching—and they’re not just a formality before practice.

    In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, we continue the conversation on warm-ups and break down what they’re actually meant to do for cheerleaders.

    You’ll learn why many warm-ups miss the mark, how proper preparation supports performance and injury prevention, and what parents and athletes can do to feel more confident heading into training.

    If you want extra support around warm-ups, recovery, and injury prevention, I created a simple, affordable resource for cheer parents:

    The Injury Prevention Starter Kit for Cheer Moms
    It’s designed to complement cheer training—not add more stress.

    If this episode helped you, please share it with another cheer parent, athlete, or coach who could benefit.

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    23 mins
  • Episode 139: When Should Cheerleaders Be Independent With Dynamic Warm Ups?
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode, Laura Turner, the Cheer PT dives into why a dynamic warm up is better than static stretching and when cheerleaders can be expected to warm up on their own.


    Connect with Laura at LTTheCheerPT.com

    Ask A PT HERE

    Grab a signed copy of Strength and Conditioning for the Cheer Athlete HERE



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    18 mins
  • Episode 138 Concussions In Cheerleading: What Parents, Coaches, and Athletes Need to Know
    Jan 7 2026

    Concussions are real—and they do happen in cheerleading.

    In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, we talk about why concussions occur, how to recognize the signs (even when they’re subtle), and why proper recovery matters—especially for young athletes. We also discuss readiness, strength, and the responsibility coaches and parents share in protecting cheerleaders for the long haul.

    This episode is a must-listen as we head into competition season and focus on keeping athletes healthy, strong, and safe.

    Have a question you want answered by a PT?

    Ask here

    To connect with Laura Go hereLTTheCheerPT.com

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    11 mins
  • Episode 137: When in Doubt, Breathe A Holiday Reminder for Cheer Families, Coaches, and Athletes
    Dec 24 2025

    This short holiday episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast is a reminder to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment. As Christmas Eve arrives and the year comes to a close, we talk about why perfection isn’t the goal—in cheer or in life.

    Whether you’re a cheer parent, coach, or athlete, this episode is an invitation to rest, reflect, and remember what truly matters: connection, health, and enjoying the process.

    Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday season and a strong start to 2026. See you on January 7!

    Want to ask a question and have it answered on the podcast?

    Submit your questions HERE. No email required unless you want a reply back :)

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    8 mins
  • Episode 136: Doctor? PT? Keep Cheering? How to Know When an Injury Needs Medical Care
    Dec 17 2025

    When your cheerleader gets hurt, how do you know what to do next?
    Should you call the doctor? See your physical therapist? Just keep cheering?

    In this episode of The Cheer Athlete, Dr. Laura (The Cheer PT) breaks down five clear situations where you should stop scrolling social media and seek professional care—and when it’s actually safe to keep moving. You’ll learn how to recognize red flags like concussions, fractures, and unstable injuries, as well as how to handle common overuse issues like ankle sprains, knee pain, and back soreness.

    This episode is a must-listen for cheer parents and coaches who want to protect their athletes without overreacting or ignoring warning signs.

    🎧 Stay until the end for the most important takeaway about listening to your athlete’s body and making confident decisions.

    Want to learn more? LTTheCheerPT.com

    Connect with Laura on IG @thecheerpt

    Email Laura with questions Laura@MoveBetterLLC.com

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    29 mins
  • Episode 135: Cheer, Parenting & Perspective: Lessons I Wish I Learned Sooner
    Dec 11 2025

    ABOUT THIS EPISODE

    In this heartfelt episode, Laura (“LT the Cheer PT”) opens up about the real-life lessons cheer can teach us—and the lessons we often don’t learn until much later. Through personal stories about her own cheer journey, her mom, and the challenges of being in the “sandwich generation,” she shares meaningful insights for moms, parents, and coaches who want to support their athletes beyond the mat.

    You’ll hear:
    • How cheer builds commitment, resilience, and lifelong habits
    • Why parental support matters more than athletes realize in the moment
    • The power of teaching cheerleaders to self-regulate, rest, and take ownership
    • How to balance expectations, boundaries, and the realities of life outside the gym
    • What it means to care for aging parents while raising and supporting cheer athletes

    If you’re navigating cheer life—from the sidelines, the coach's box, or the parent seat—this episode offers perspective, compassion, and reminders we all need.

    If this resonates, please share it with another cheer mom, parent, or coach. And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode!

    👉 Need help keeping your cheerleader strong and injury-free?
    Visit LTTheCheerPT.com for free resources and programs designed to help cheer athletes move better, feel better, and perform with confidence.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 134: From Base to Flyer (or Flyer to Base): How to Help Your Cheerleader Succeed in Any Position
    Dec 3 2025

    When your cheerleader is suddenly switching roles — from base to flyer or flyer to base — it can feel overwhelming for both athlete and parent. In this episode, I break down what actually matters during a position change: strength, stability, mobility, confidence, and understanding what the other role feels like.

    You’ll learn:
    • Why bases often transition smoothly into flying
    • How flyers can build the strength needed for basing
    • The role proper warm-ups, mobility, and strength training play in safer stunting
    • How to help your athlete avoid injuries during the transition
    • What NOT to rush when it comes to flexibility and body control

    Whether your athlete is being asked to jump in for pyramids, switch roles for comp season, or build well-rounded stunt skills… this episode will help you support them every step of the way.

    📘 Grab the Strength & Conditioning for Cheerleaders Book

    https://ltthecheerpt.com/cheerathletebook

    Get bonuses, workout plans & tracking sheets: link in show notes

    💪 Check Out My Flyer + Base Strength Programs:
    https://ltthecheerpt.com/cheerworkouts294353-6697Programs designed to improve strength, stability & confidence

    👉 Follow me on IG: @thecheerpt
    👉 Have a question? Email me at laura@movebetterllc.com

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    15 mins