Michelle Sugimura | Be Prepared to Become Addicted
Who and what got you involved in cheer?
I was recruited to Kansas Wesleyan University based off of my youtube channel. I was a national level gymnast and posted videos of me flipping all the time. The previous coach saw them and emailed me right away. He told me that a lot of great gymnasts make good cheerleaders because of their body control and their tumbling ability.
What is your number one philosophy you live by?
“Fall down 7 times, stand up 8” is the philosophy I live by. People are always going to be negative and try to tear you down because you are on top. The key to being successful is knowing your worth and knowing that as long as you believe in yourself and your ability, what others think about you should not matter.
What has been the highlight of your cheerleading career?
The highlight of my cheerleading career has been cheerleading in general. I never once thought that I would he cheerleading, let alone on scholarship for it. I have enjoyed being on the sideline and cheering for my friends on the football team and the basketball team. Competing is a completely different experience compared to gymnastics. I also got invited to compete with two different teams at Worlds. I wish I could have gone, but there is always next year.
Who is your biggest inspiration in and outside of the gym?
My biggest inspirations are those around me. I am always striving to better myself and my cheer ability. There are so many people who are so much better than me and I want to be as good as them one day.
What is your ultimate goal in cheer and fitness?
I think my ultimate goal in cheer is to do a hand to hand, coed rewind and to go to worlds! For my fitness goals, I have a couple; run a half marathon, maintain and or drop weight, and become more flexible.
What advice would you give to females starting to get into fitness?
Fitness is addicting so be prepared to become addicted to the high because it really does exist.
What was an obstacle you had to overcome?
I think the biggest obstacle I had to face was myself. I am my biggest critique so that means I am really hard on myself. I had to learn that it is okay to have a bad day, it does not mean you are a bad athlete just that you are having an off day. It was really important for me to learn to let it roll off my shoulders and move on.
What advice to you give to women when they’re afraid to workout because they don’t want to bulk?
The advice I would tell those who are afraid of bulking when working out is there are many different types of workouts that you can do. If you do not want to bulk then I would suggest staying away from hypertrophy workouts. Stick to high reps and sets with low weight. That way you are toning and building lean muscles. Fitness is fun so give it at least a month before you give up or make a decision.
Where do you see yourself sport wise once you retire from cheer?
Sadly, this is my last year in cheerleading. I am a senior and I am graduating, but I want to continue tumbling and going to open gyms. I just found this sport and I am not ready to give it up just yet. Fitness wise, I want to continue working on building a healthy and sound body. Continue to push myself and finding new workouts and lifts that will challenge me.