Dear Cheerleaders and Dancers,

It seems every day for practice we have to put ourselves in leggings or short-shorts just to practice in for two hours, consisting of working hard, working out, and learning routines all of this as we stare at ourselves in the mirror. Most of us don't like what we see.

It seems once or even five times a month we have to put on makeup and get either game day or competition day ready. We squeeze into those tight tops and skirts that only an eight-year-old can comfortably wear, and put on our best smile even though we are uncomfortable.

It seems our sports are taken for granted by others and are simply pushed away when it comes to being considered an athlete. We make our performances clean, technical, and eye appealing.

It's true, no one wants to watch a cheer or dance performance with frowning dancers or cheerleaders; we are the entertainment. We are there to support other teams, cheer them on, show our own love and passion to the crowd, and look good. This creates a lot of high expectations.

Today with the unfortunate 'perfect body' phenomenon, not only are we held to a certain standard as dancers and cheerleaders, but we judge ourselves. So stop what you're doing. Stop turning to the side and trying to compare your stomach. Stop saying your thighs are too big. Never let a teammate, a coach or instructor, or anyone tell you that you are not beautiful or don't have a perfect body because guess what, there is no such thing as a perfect body!

The only thing that matters is if you are healthy. We are all created differently and have all kinds of different body types. Some are sticks, some are thick. All are gorgeous.

If you aren't happy with your body, don't go on a diet because the weight you lose will be gained right back. Don't cut out carbs because we need that energy for practices and performances. Don't not eat because that leads to a scary unhealthy path. If you are not happy with your body or don't feel good, here are a few tips:

1. Eat slower. This helps you listen to your body more to see if you are full.

2. If you're full, don't eat more.

3. Snack on fruits or veggies instead of candy.

4. Cut back on soda or alcohol intake to once or twice a week, instead of every day.

5. Exercise. No, I'm not saying you have to go the gym right after you workout out that morning and had practice, I'm saying go one a walk or a bike ride with friends!

6. Don't eat out as much. Not only will this save you money, but greasy foods aren't great for you. So maybe go to McDonald's once as a treat every few weeks instead of three times a week.

7. Drink lots of water! Staying hydrated is a necessity for everyone including athletes. This will help you get through those cardio workouts and keep you healthy in general!

Like I said, you don't have to go on a diet to be healthy and to some insane fitness program after you have worn yourself out after a day of cheering or dancing. All I am saying is be your type of healthy. Because when you are happy with your body, the more passionate you are about your sport, and the happier you are with yourself.

So, to my cheerleader or dancer, stop judging your body type and be happy with how you were created because it is beautiful! Stay positive in hard times, ignore those who are rude to you about untrue standards, and be healthy you!