In The Gym with Serena of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello ladies! Thank you so much for taking time to read a little bit about me. My name is Serena, and I am from Bel Air, Maryland. Most of my days are spent working as a Dental Hygienist and spending time with my family and friends.

How long have you been a Ravens Cheerleader?

I have been a Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader for the past 6 years.

Why did you want to be a part of the team?

I originally went to tryouts seven years ago to accompany a friend of mine from high school without even knowing what I was getting into! It really is true that everything happens for a reason, because this organization has become a second family to me. I couldn’t imagine not having the opportunity to do what I do!

How many other ladies were you competing against and how did you prepare for your audition?

Each year the number of tryout applicants is a little different, but on average I would say that a few hundred ladies come to tryout. I had always had a dance background and I truly believe that is what prepared me the most for my audition.

What does it take to be a cheerleader?

Not only does it take a lot of dedication to be a cheerleader, but it also requires endurance and motivation. We are constantly learning new material and rehearsing until it gets into our muscle memory. I would also say that a good amount of patience is critical- especially when we are working as a team. It is an incredible opportunity to perform in front of over 70,000 fans on game day, but it is important to us that we are precise and entertaining to watch.

What typical meals do you eat throughout the day (i.e. breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, etc.)?

Frequent meals help me keep an active metabolism. I try to get a good variety of vegetables and lean protein throughout the day, this way I am able to have the stamina from whatever my day entails.

What is the typical training plan you follow with the Ravens cheerleaders?

Our team meets twice a week for about three and a half hours of practice. We typically begin or end with at least thirty minutes of cardio. An eight minute timed mile is also part of the requirement for the females of the squad. Outside of practice, we usually rehearse on our own and partake in various workouts– anything from yoga to interval training.

What do you say to anyone who thinks cheerleaders are not athletes?

I always am proud to have those people who think that cheerleaders are not athletes watch one of our routines… I think that our athleticism speaks for itself!

What advice do you have for anyone interested in trying out for the squad?

Anyone interested in tryout out for the squad would greatly benefit from attending one of our prep clinics that we hold in February. They can also prepare for tryouts by taking dance lessons and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. I would highly recommend that those interested in becoming a member of the squad also practice time management. Being a member of this team requires a lot of balance.

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date as a Ravens cheerleader?

My biggest accomplishment to date as a Ravens Cheerleader has been traveling to multiple countries visiting military bases and supporting our troops. Singapore, Bahrain, Djibouti, and Diego Garcia are just a few of the places that I have been fortunate enough to visit.

How can readers learn more about the Ravens Cheerleaders?

I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about our program! For those readers who would like to learn more about the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders, head to www.BaltimoreRavens.com/Cheerleaders, or follow us on our Facebook fan pages (which can be found on the website listed).

How can my readers follow you on social media?

My Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Serena-B/242277199130628

Baltimore Ravens Website:  http://www.baltimoreravens.com/ravenstown/cheerleaders/index.html