Strength in wisdom: Patrick Lopez’s approach to wellness
The digital creator discusses how wellness and wisdom go hand in hand
If you’ve seen his content, Patrick Lopez will make you want to eat better—not just because he’s physically enviable, but because he makes the most mouthwatering dishes by hand.
On social media, Patrick Lopez may appear to be your typical brawny, chiseled fitness and wellness creator, but in real life, his purpose goes beyond aesthetics. He’s grounded enough to know where to focus his energy. “I want my followers to appreciate that our everyday actions hold wisdom, and embracing that is one of the coolest things we can do,” shared Patrick. Beyond wellness, he also aims to impart wisdom to his followers, as evident in his Instagram posts.
We sat down with Patrick to gain a better understanding of how fitness of the mind and body go hand in hand from his perspective. He also shared how good food fuels his workouts and what grooming practices he currently follows. Read our exchange below:
Do you follow a specific fitness program?
I used to have a scheduled push and pull day, but now it’s more targeted to specific muscle groups. What works for me at the moment is a body part-focused routine.
What’s your earliest memory of being fit?
When I was in fourth grade, I used to see dumbbells at home, and my mom played badminton a lot. I think that inspired me to play basketball—from grade school to college, I was an athlete.
What’s your weekly fitness routine like?
I used to always work out at night, but now I try my best to wake up early and exercise. I work out every day. Either I play ball, run, bike—basically cardio—and on other days, I lift weights. If I can’t properly work out, I make sure to do pushups, pull-ups, squats—basically calisthenics. I’ve committed to that.
What does fitness mean to you?
It’s not just about physicality; it’s about overall well-being. Like a car, it’s not just the exterior that needs to be good, but also the internal workings. This includes socializing, talking, and interacting with others. Of course, your diet is important too. I believe in the saying, “You are what you eat.”
@potricklopez Have a great workout! #workout #fitness ♬ Down On Me – Jeremih
Do you have any fitness inspirations?
Basketball star Kobe Bryant and Jamaican runner Usain Bolt.
How did you learn to eat better?
In college, my diet was not great. I used to eat a lot of canned goods and easy-to-cook fried food. But since I was a science student, I learned a lot about oil, processed foods, and their nutritional value, and I realized I had to elevate the quality of food I put in my body.
@potricklopez Mr. lovah lovah with his corny beef bbq! 👀🌽 Got a new source of sweet and juicy frozen corn cob/kernel from @Happy Farm Get this in any Virginia Factory Outlet or leading supermarket nationwide. #SavortheSweetness #FreshFromtheFarm ♬ Lazy Sunday – Official Sound Studio
What’s your usual diet like?
I’m currently on a meal plan, but when I want to bulk up, I eat everything. My portion is 50/50: fifty percent protein and fifty percent carbs. I also use less oil and salt. My proteins are usually chicken breast and steak, and I eat vegetables for fiber.
What’s your favorite food?
Shawarma, which I cook myself. The recipe is quite easy, so I can recreate it over and over again.
What’s your go-to cheat day meal?
Two quarter-pounders, large fries, large soda, and ice cream.
Grooming essentials:
I use pomade or wax for my hair, a clipper for my facial hair, and toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunblock for my face and body.
Favorite scents:
YSL L’Homme, Azzaro Wanted, or Zara Blue Spirit worn with Benetton Tribe Intense.
When not exercising or cooking, what can we see you doing?
Reading. Currently, I’m reading “Mindf*ck” by Christopher Wyling and “On Death and Dying” by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross“. Few of my favorites include “Give and Take” by Adam Grant and “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Images courtesy of Patrick Lopez
