Summarize:

With cheerleading, you're probably putting in a lot of time working on routines, moves, and strength-training, and your flexibility training needs to be a part of your regular schedule, too. Make up a schedule for yourself and plan out which days of the week you'll commit to flexibility training. Try to spread the days out so they don't fall next to each other for optimal benefits. For example, if you do strength training on Mondays and Wednesdays, schedule your flexibility training for Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Don't forget to schedule in some downtime to allow your body to rest and recuperate. Getting your heart rate up means there will be better blood flow to your arms and legs. Plus, your limbs will be loose and limber, making them less prone to strains and injuries. Spend 3 to 5 minutes jogging, biking, doing jumping jacks, jumping rope, or even just walking briskly to get warmed up. Neglecting to warm up could make your recovery after a workout harder, and your body will be even sorer than it would be. Because you're not trying to build muscle while working on your stretching, you don't need to do as many repetitions. Remember, if something hurts and you're in pain, stop doing the movement right away, even if your time isn't up yet. If you get bored while stretching, try listening to music or to a podcast to make the time go by faster. Just don't lose track of your reps! For maximum benefits, you don't want to do all the same exercises every day for months at a time. You'll get bored, and your body will get used to the movements. Try switching up your routine every 2 to 3 weeks by adding in some new stretches and retiring ones that have become too easy. If you work with someone on your cheerleading skills, let them know you're interested in moves to increase your flexibility. Based on your skills and needs, there may be some specific exercises that would be really beneficial to your growth as a cheerleader. If you don't work with a coach, think about the movements you struggle with in cheerleading. Pinpoint where you are struggling (whether it's that your legs aren't flexible enough or your shoulders feel too tight) and look up specific stretches you can do for those areas.
Commit to working on your flexibility for 30 minutes 2 to 3 times a week. Warm up before each workout to prevent the risk of injury. Hold each stretch for 10 to 20 seconds and repeat it 5 to 6 times. Update your stretching exercises when you no longer feel challenged. Ask your coach for more moves and stretches to add to your routine.