Bikinis, Deadlifts and Wonder Woman

Q & A with NPC Wellness Competitor, Fitness Coach, Yoga Instructor & On Repeat Sports Brand Ambassador: Eileen Lopez

ORS: When and why did you start lifting? When do you feel like you became a serious lifter?

Eileen: I started lifting in 2010. Back then I just wanted to be skinny. Naturally, I started with the basics and fundamentals with light weight and high reps. I feel like I became a serious lifter when I started prep for my first NPC bikini competition in 2015. That’s when my training was taken to a whole other level. Once I entered the wellness division, I really started feeling like a body builder.

ORS: What time of day do you train and why?

Eileen: 5am. I like to start my day with my workout. The endorphins set me up for a good day. I also like to get it out of the way so that I don’t have to worry about feeling too tired later.

ORS: What do you listen to on repeat at the gym to get you into beast mode?

Eileen: Spaceman by DJ Hardwell (insert heart eyes and starlight background here). He has so many versions of this song that I never get tired of it. He actually just released a new version a few days ago and it’s definitely been on repeat.

ORS: Do you have a favorite exercise?

Eileen: Deadlifts. There are so many different ways to do them; I never get bored.

ORS: What is your main fitness goal for the coming year?

Eileen: My overall big fitness goal is to make it to the Olympia stage. However, I have to earn my pro card first, so my main goal in 2023 is to finally step foot on a national stage.

ORS: Do you write down your goals? 

Eileen: Of course. Believe it or not, I write almost everything down. I like to learn my body and how it reacts to different workouts or food items. Yes, it’s a bit obsessive which is why I said “almost” haha. I also have to enjoy the journey.

ORS: What has led to the biggest improvements in your training or physique?

Eileen: Learning from different coaches. Each coach has a unique approach. I love learning new techniques and information fitness related.

ORS: Who inspires you in the gym? Do you have a hero?

Eileen: IFBB PRO Francielle Mattos Miss Wellness Olympia. I see how hard she pushes in the gym, and I know I can do it too. My favorite hero is Wonder Woman. I love seeing strong powerful women doing right in the world.

ORS: What is most overlooked when it comes to getting the results you want in the gym?

Eileen: The diet. Food is fuel. You can work hard in the gym but if you're eating habits are poor then you won’t see the results you want. You don’t have to cut out everything you like to eat. Practice portion control and everything in moderation.

ORS: What advice would you give someone new to the gym?

Eileen:Trust the process. Remember that it took time to get out of shape so it will take time to get back into shape. Give yourself the time that you need and trust the process. Your fit life is a journey, a lifestyle. Be kind to yourself and just take it one day at a time, one workout at a time. Whenever you feel like giving up, remember why you started because you started for a reason—keep that reason in mind. You got this!