New York trainer Branden Hayward on how a stuffed bunny got on his bedside table

Name: Branden Hayward, 33

City: The Big Apple (New York City for the uninformed)

Occupation: Physique coach. I provide an immersive coaching experience in which I guide each of my clients to develop better habits with their hydration+recovery+nutrition+exercise regimen. I also use my experience living with mental illness and addiction to help my clients develop more patience, belief, acceptance and pride in themselves. I am also a writer.

Favorite Gym: Probably the gym in Fire Island Pines, because it’s in Fire Island Pines.

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Favorite Workout Playlist: My current workout playlist…

• “Into the Blue,” “Get outta my way” & “All the Lovers,” Kylie Minogue
• “Sexy Dirty Lover,” Demi Lovato
• “Heart to Break,” Kim Petras
• “New Rules,” dua lipa
• “Delicate,” Taylor Swift
• “Into You,” Ariana Grande
• “Want to Want Me” & “The Other Side,” Jason Derulo
• “Run Away with Me,” Carly Rae Jepsen
• “Sax,” Fleur East
• “Act My Age,” Katy Perry
• “Party in the USA,” Miley Cyrus
• “Marry the Night,” Lady Gaga
• “Ooh la la,” Britney Spears

Favorite Workout Foods: Water and caffeine make the best pre-workout food for me. I don’t usually eat before workouts.

Related: Of Britney & tank tops: Philadelphia trainer Peter Danzig reveals his secrets to looking good

Favorite Workout Tip: Slow down your movement & eliminate your pauses in between reps.

How do you balance staying in shape and having fun?

For me, staying in shape allows me to have fun. They go hand in hand and are not two disparate things. I’ve also found a way to eat that lets me eat what I want every single day, but after I’ve consumed all the necessary protein and fiber for the day. My definition of fun is: having money in my savings account, dancing like there’s no tomorrow, feeling very desirable, having great sex, being on the beach, listening and laughing with friends, feeling like I’ve been of service to others, and proving to myself that I can make some pretty intense dreams come true. Lifting heavy weights and eating in a manner that supports my physique goals enhances each of those elements of fun for me. I still struggle with motivation from time to time, but I just think about how f*ckable I want to look, and that usually helps me push through that obnoxious set at the gym.

What do you keep on your nightstand?

Alarm clock, Armistead Maupin’s More Tales of the City, tissue, old porn DVDs from when I was in college because I got bored of internet porn the other day, a stuffed bunny rabbit, a question card game my cousin gave me for Christmas.

Bonus Pics:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtZKy7blGVS/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrWHZftH3F6/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl0zIicHDsO/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXYxiuLngkS/