How to Actually Train Cheer Athletes the Right Way

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton sits down with Rocky Rumel to talk about one of the biggest gaps in the cheer industry: how we train athletes beyond just reps, routines, and skill progressions.

With an interdisciplinary background in exercise physiology, sports psychology, nutrition, business, and performance coaching, Rocky brings a unique perspective to all star cheer. He explains why strength and conditioning is one of the most overlooked opportunities in cheer gyms today, how even small investments in athlete performance can reduce injury and improve results, and why so many gyms are still behind when it comes to training athletes like real athletes.

Dan and Rocky also dive into mental blocks and performance anxiety, including a simple and powerful way to help athletes understand what is happening in their minds when they freeze, hesitate, or suddenly lose a skill. This conversation is packed with practical insight for coaches who want to better support athletes physically and mentally.

If you are a cheer gym owner, coach, or program director, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about athlete development, safer progression, and what it really takes to help athletes become stronger, healthier, and more confident on and off the mat.