Welcome to The Cheer Athlete Podcast! I’m Laura Turner, The Cheer PT. I help cheerleaders, parents, and coaches navigate injuries, prevent setbacks, and keep athletes healthy and strong so they can cheer for life.
This week’s episode is about perception — and how changing the way we look at challenges can help athletes (and all of us) move forward.
I was inspired by Jeremy Renner’s book My Next Breath, where he shares lessons from his near-fatal accident and recovery. His story carries powerful takeaways for cheerleaders:
Love matters most. When everything else fades, love for family, teammates, and the sport is what carries us through.
Focus on the next breath. In moments of stress, pain, or self-doubt, progress comes from taking things one step — and one breath — at a time.
Shift your perception of pain. Pain doesn’t always mean you’re finished; it can be a signal to pay attention, adjust, and keep moving forward.
These lessons apply not only on the mat, but in school, training, and life. Whether you’re learning a new skill, balancing schoolwork, or facing setbacks, perception and persistence can change everything.
📖 Want to dive deeper? Check out My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner on Spotify, Audible, or Kindle.
👉 And if you’re looking for cheer-specific tools, grab my free guide: 3 Tips to Prevent Injury in Cheer and my done-for-you Warm-Up & Cool-Down Program
Remember: Take one step at a time. Don’t forget to breathe. You can do anything you put your mind to.
