Very proud to highlight Carlie Popovich as a Spotlight Athlete. Enough can’t be said about the changes this girl has made over the last 8 months.

Here’s her story:

RYAN: Carlie, tell us a little about what you used to do for sports and how you prepared.

CARLIE: Before FOCUS I lacked in quickness and in my first step. As a soccer player I thought running 2-3 miles a day was what I need to do. I knew I needed to get stronger and quicker if I wanted to do better in my games. At the same time, I found out  I was facing a challenge with my health outside of sports.

RYAN: Since you started training with FOCUS, what have been the biggest changes?

CARLIE: FOCUS has increased my performance in soccer and helped me get in better shape.. I’m more fit and lean. My quickness has improved, better ball skills, stronger in my shot, and most importantly more flexible. I feel stronger when I run – even when I run for distance.

RYAN: I don’t want to make this a shameless plug – this is about you – so let’s talk outside of FOCUS. What are you doing on your own to keep improving? What keeps you going?

CARLIE: The results keep me motivated. I feel more determined and persistent to keep my fitness level. I use many of the exercises at home. I train with FOCUS twice a week and do either strength training or running on my own everyday.

RYAN: I know you’ve committed to strict nutrition habits and shed some weight (over 10lbs.) that wasn’t doing anything for your performance. What are you doing to stay so lean?

CARLIE: Nothing crazy… I incorporate lots of protein and veggies in my meals and cut out enriched/white carbs (as my doctor recommended). With some stuff I have going on I have to eat this way but I don’t really miss eating all the other stuff.

RYAN: If I asked you to give some advise to other athletes, what would you tell them to get results like yours?

CARLIE: Here’s what has worked for me so this is what I’d recommend:

1. Train with FOCUS at least 2x a week. Make this a habit! You can always train on your own but nothing replaces the coaching and guidance.

2. Stretch everyday! This is where I needed the most help. You have to something on your own. When I started doing FOCUS and stuff at home I saw the best results.

3. Eat right.  Maybe not as strict as me but proteins are good. I like veggies too.

RYAN: Thanks Carlie, I think that sums it up. Thanks so much for being apart of FOCUS and being an athlete I can count on.