Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision.

As nationals season approaches, pressure and stress become increasingly familiar. Coaches do a great job of conditioning your body in order to execute jam-packed routines, but it's just as important to condition your mind too.

When you're at your final practices before you leave for competition, the expectation to get every stunt and every pass right is in full effect -- which in turn can cause you to overthink the moves and derail your practice mode mentality. This can goes for all scenarios -- the practice room, the mat, you name it!

Here are a few proven tips to sharpen your mental focus in preparation for a successful routine.

POSITIVITY

A positive mental outlook will encourage positive results. Always include positive feedback along with your constructive critiques so that your team knows what they are doing right as well as what needs to be fixed. Coaches do a great job of letting the team know what needs to be changed, but YOU are the one in the routine. You feel why the stunt works or doesn't, and you also see firsthand why you can or cannot make it to a certain spot in time. Communicate with your teammates. Become problem solvers together!

STAY FOCUSED 

Maintaining a strong mental focus during practice is crucial to being a sharp-minded athlete. Leave whatever issues you have going on in your personal life off of the mat. Practice zoning out distractions so that you can totally focus on your two and a half minute routine, piece by piece. Use your practice time as an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of life's dilemmas, because your team is counting on your focus now. If you don't get along with every teammate all the time, it is critical to be able to work together at practice. This is not only important in cheerleading, but in the real world as well.  Leaving issues outside the gym, enjoying each other's company, and achieving new goals together can increase the chances of solving issues off the mat! The mind is a cheerleader's strongest muscle and like any other muscle, it needs to be exercised and strengthened as well as rested and recuperated. Take the time to clear your mind of all distractions and problems so that you can re-approach your routine with a fresh perspective.

PREPARATION

Your team is comprised of several individuals and everyone has a different approach to practices and competitions. Some rely on maintaining a calm exterior, while others prefer to exert energy all day. Regardless of what your teammates do to prepare themselves, it is important to support and respect them. As an athlete you want every member of your team to be in the right mental state to execute a successful routine, and letting your teammates approach competitions in their own unique way gives them the confidence they need to excel. Everyone operates differently, and allowing some to quietly meditate while others joke around will strike a good balance for your team.

MAT TALK

When you on, and the lights are up, don't be afraid to talk to your teammates. Take the mat with confidence, high five your best friends, or do a hand shake with your stunt group. Encourage the tumblers and be sure to provide yourself with lots of positive self talk. You CAN do this, PUSH through, and FOCUS.

Keep your mind as strong as your body and you'll see success when you're looking out at the hundreds are fans that are cheering you on.

By: Emily Zemlachenko