Most people have been told to "lift with your legs" and never bend their back.But is that really how the body was designed to move?In this episode, we take a closer look at trunk flexion—one of the most important movement patterns we use every day. From tying your shoes to picking something up off the floor, bending forward is a normal and necessary part of healthy movement.You'll learn:Why trunk flexion is essentialWhat a normal toe touch should look likeCommon movement compensations to watch forhy flexibility isn't always the problemHow I assess movement to determine whether someone needs more mobility or more stabilityDue to technical difficulties, this week's episode is presented in an audio-first format with movement demonstrations and educational visuals added throughout.Whether you're a coach, trainer, therapist, cheerleader, or simply someone who wants to move better, this episode will help you begin seeing movement differently.Download the Movement Tracker to start observing your own movement patterns.

Movement Leaves Clues.What if the way you move is telling you more than where you hurt?In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I explain why movement is more than pass or fail—it’s information. Whether you're a coach, trainer, therapist, athlete, or someone simply trying to move better, learning to observe movement differently can change how you coach, treat, and train.We'll explore:Why every movement pattern tells a storyWhat compensation really means (and why it isn't always bad)The four questions I ask when assessing movementWhy looking at multiple movement patterns reveals more than focusing on one painful areaHow changing the way you observe movement can improve performance and reduce injury riskRemember:Compensation isn't bad. Compensation is information.This episode is the first in a new series where we'll begin breaking down individual movement patterns and what they reveal about how the body works as a connected system.⬇️ Resources✅ Download my FREE Movement Tracker 💪 Learn more about the Move Better AppIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a coach, trainer, therapist, parent or athlete who wants to understand movement on a deeper level.Movement leaves clues. The better you learn to read them, the better you'll move.

Is the painful area really the problem?Not always.In this episode, I discuss why your body often compensates when movement is limited and why the area that hurts may actually be doing extra work rather than causing the problem.Using a real patient example, I explain how observing movement—not just symptoms—can change the way we approach pain, performance, and recovery.If you've ever wondered why stretching or strengthening the painful area doesn't always work, this episode is for you.Get your MOVEMENT TRACKER HEREMove Better App LEARN MORE HEREConnect with Laura

Why Your Back Pain Isn't the Problem (Most of the Time)Does your back hurt when you lean backward, tumble, reach overhead, or stand for long periods?What if your back isn't actually the problem?In this episode, I use the movement pattern of back extension to show why pain often appears in one area while the real limitation starts somewhere else. Through a real athlete case study, you'll learn why looking at movement—not just muscles or painful joints—can change how you coach, train, and treat people.Whether you're a cheer coach, personal trainer, therapist, or someone trying to move with less pain, this episode will help you begin to see movement differently.In this episode you'll learn:Why pain doesn't always tell you where the problem isWhat to observe during back extensionCommon compensation patterns throughout the bodyWhy movement patterns matter more than individual musclesHow improving mobility and stability elsewhere can change back pain🎁 Download my free Movement Tracker:Connect with LTWebsite: https://MoveBetterLLC.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheerpt/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecheerptmovebetter369Remember...When in doubt, breathe out.

In this episode, I explain why movement screens shouldn't be about finding perfect form—they should help us understand how the body solves movement.We'll discuss:• Why compensation isn't always a bad thing• The five questions I ask during every movement screen• How movement quality changes exercise selection• Why mobility, motor control, and strength all work together• Why observing movement is one of the most valuable skills coaches, trainers, therapists, and athletes can developWhether you're working with cheerleaders, clients in the gym, or simply trying to move better yourself, this episode will help you begin seeing movement in a whole new way.Because better observation leads to better movement.Movement TrackerMove Better AppConnect with Laura

Is your foot really the problem...or is it just where the movement shows up?In this episode, I pull together the key ideas from my recent five-part YouTube series on single-leg stance and explain the why behind the exercises.We'll talk about why balance is about more than simply standing on one foot, how movement screens help identify the real limiting factor, and why improving mobility, stability, and body awareness often leads to better strength and better performance.Whether you're a cheer coach, athlete, personal trainer, therapist, or someone who simply wants to move better, this episode will help you stop guessing and start understanding movement.Why the site of the problem isn't always the source of the problemWhat single-leg stance can tell you about the entire bodyWhen you need mobility, stability, or strengthWhy corrective exercises are preparation—not the destinationHow body awareness improves movement quality and performanceWhy every old injury deserves consideration when evaluating movementOne takeaway:Your body doesn't move one joint at a time—it moves as one connected system.When you understand the pattern, choosing the right exercise becomes much easier.🎥 Watch the complete Single-Leg Stance Series on YouTube.🎁 Download the free Movement Tracker and learn more about the Move Better App using the links below.Movement TrackerWebsiteMove Better App

Why do you still feel tight after stretching?It's one of the most common questions I hear from athletes, clients, and adults trying to move better.In this episode, we explore why stretching alone isn't always the answer. Tightness isn't always caused by short muscles. Sometimes it's your body's response to limited mobility, poor stability, movement compensation, or a lack of strength and control.We'll discuss:• Why your body creates tension• The difference between flexibility and mobility• When stretching is helpful—and when it isn't• Why movement quality matters more than simply increasing range of motion• Practical ways to improve movement without spending more time stretchingIf you've ever wondered why stretching hasn't solved your problem, this episode will help you think about movement differently.Enjoying this series?Continue listening with:• The Missing Link Between Movement, Strength, and Performance• The ABCs of Movement: Awareness, Breath, and ControlConnect with LauraMove Better AppMessage Laura about Movement Screen HERE on Instagram

What is the missing link between movement, strength, and performance?In this episode, I discuss why building strength isn't always the first step toward better performance. Movement quality, awareness, breathing, control, mobility, and stability all play important roles in how efficiently we move and perform.Whether you're a cheerleader, coach, trainer, therapist, or active adult, understanding these connections can help you train smarter, reduce compensation, and improve long-term outcomes.Join me as we explore how movement serves as the foundation for strength and performance—and why sometimes the biggest improvements come from addressing the basics first.Follow LT on Instagram @TheCheerPTFree Resources HEREReferencesMovement Detectivery with Monika Volkmer and Gary WardThe Movement Podcast with Gray Cook and Lee BurtonThe Strength Coach Podcast with Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle

In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I’m breaking down the ABCs of movement: Awareness, Breath, and Control.These three principles are the foundation of how I help cheerleaders, adults, and physical therapy clients move better, reduce pain, and build strength safely. Whether you are working on tumbling, lifting, balance, or simply trying to exercise without irritating your body, movement quality matters.We’ll talk about why doing more reps does not automatically make you stronger, why poor form often leads to compensation, and how small changes in breathing, foot placement, range of motion, and control can make a big difference.I also share real examples from the clinic and training room, including how corrective exercises can help unlock movement and why the progression of mobility, stability, strength, and power matters.If you have ever felt like your body is not cooperating, this episode will help you understand where to start.If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe and share it with your bestie who wants to move better.LTTheCheerPT.comMoveBetterWithLaura.com

What can cheerleaders teach adults about balance? More than you might think.In this episode of The Cheer Athlete Podcast, I'm beginning a new chapter—one that still includes cheerleading, but also explores how the movement lessons we learn as athletes can help us throughout life.We'll talk about:Why balance matters for both cheerleaders and adultsThe connection between the foot, pelvis, and coreHow ankle and hip mobility affect stabilityWhy single-leg control is so importantHow sensory feedback helps us move betterWhat coaches, parents, athletes, and adults can all learn from each otherWhether you're working on a heel stretch, climbing stairs, recovering from an injury, or simply trying to stay active as you age, the principles of movement remain the same.Because better movement isn't just for athletes—it's for everyone.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to move better and feel better.