Joe Gaydaychuk's Pre-Workout Rituals for Peak Performance

By eight o’clock in the morning, Joe Gaydaychuk is already two-and-a-half hours into his day, fully prepared for his workout. The 33-year-old bodybuilder and influencer has fueled his body with a hearty breakfast and over 40 ounces of water since waking up, ensuring he’s well-hydrated for the intense training session ahead. On leg day, which can last from 75 minutes to an hour and a half, Gaydaychuk knows that being mentally and physically prepared is crucial. "My workouts are intense, with minimal wasted time, working up to heavy sets on each exercise," he explains, highlighting the importance of his pre-workout rituals.

To get both his body and mind ready, Gaydaychuk engages in visualization, listens to motivational content and music, and takes a scoop of his preferred pre-workout formula, BEYOND RAW® LIT AF® V2, mixed with cold water. He has been a loyal GNC customer since he started buying supplements, appreciating the wide selection and accessibility of their products. "GNC brings together elite quality standards, an exceptional selection curated by leading industry experts, and the tools and resources consumers need to navigate their choices and shop with confidence," he states.

Before heading to the gym, Gaydaychuk reviews notes from his previous workouts to guide him. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he has recently bulked up to an off-season weight of around 250 pounds, preparing for his first professional show this fall. He emphasizes the importance of tracking his progress, stating, "Tracking is a huge cornerstone of my training. I keep a written journal in my phone of every workout. That’s the basis of progressive overload. How do I know I'm getting better if I'm not keeping notes on what I did in the past?" Consistency and striving for improvement are key components of his training philosophy.

On days when motivation wanes, Gaydaychuk employs mental reframing techniques. "On days where I’m not feeling it, I’ll think of three positive reasons why I should be doing this, and that usually helps motivate me," he shares. The final step in his pre-workout routine involves mixing his pre-workout in a shaker cup with 16 ounces of water, ice, and a full scoop of BEYOND RAW® LIT AF® V2. He enjoys the cold drink as a treat before hitting the gym, with flavors like Gummy Worm or Patriot Pop enhancing his anticipation for the workout.

Fueling Up for the Workout Ahead

During his drive to the gym, Gaydaychuk consumes his pre-workout while listening to a podcast or his favorite bodybuilding motivational video, which pumps him up for the session ahead. He appreciates the boost from the caffeine and the mental clarity provided by Cognizin® citicoline, a nootropic that enhances brain function and energy. "I like to take LIT AF® V2 about 30 minutes before the actual workout so that the ingredients start to take effect," he notes, ensuring he is fully prepared by the time he arrives at the gym.

Once at the gym, Gaydaychuk transitions into training mode, beginning with a general warmup before focusing on his first muscle group of the day. Music plays a significant role in his motivation, with a playlist that rotates through EDM, rock, and rap. Sometimes, a particular track will energize him so much that he listens to it on repeat for the entire workout. "Putting on the headphones is kind of a mental trigger. Once I throw those guys on, boom, I’m ready to go," he remarks.

Improve your workout

Gaydaychuk's pre-workout routine pays off throughout his 90-minute session. He maximizes his time in the gym, knowing exactly which exercises to perform and how much weight to use. The music pumping through his headphones and the fact that he’s recording his workout for his one-million-plus followers keeps him focused and engaged. The effects of LIT AF® V2 enhance his performance, providing him with a laser-like focus and greater muscle pumps than he would experience without it. "When I finish the pre-workout, I feel a laser-like focus on the task at hand," he states. The extra energy helps him push through heavier weights, making his workouts more effective.

As he trains, he continues to feel the benefits of the Cognizin® and other ingredients in LIT AF® V2. "Even after you’ve done the bulk of the workout, the job’s not done. It really comes in handy toward the end and helps me push through that last final bit," he concludes, underscoring the importance of his pre-workout rituals in achieving peak performance.