A fitness coach’s elaborate morning routine has taken the internet by storm, sparking both fascination and ridicule. The routine, often shared through visually engaging platforms like TikTok and Instagram, details a strict regimen, leaving many viewers questioning its practicality and necessity. This article delves into the specifics of these viral routines, examines the potential benefits of morning rituals, and offers advice on creating a sustainable and personalized approach to kickstarting your day.
The Viral Sensation: Decoding the Fitness Coach’s Routine
Recently, fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s morning routine went viral, amassing millions of views across various social media platforms. Starting before dawn at 3:50 AM, Hall’s routine includes a meticulously planned series of activities that last for almost six hours. Key elements of his routine include:
- Early Wake-Up: Hall starts his day well before sunrise.
- Cold Water Immersion: He repeatedly dunks his face in ice water.
- Intense Workout: A rigorous gym session is a core component.
- Swimming: A short swim follows the gym workout.
- Meditation and Journaling: Mindfulness practices are incorporated.
- Banana Peel Facial: An unusual skincare step involves rubbing a banana peel on his face.
While some viewers were inspired by Hall’s dedication, others criticized the routine as being unrealistic, self-indulgent, and performative. Some users highlighted that the influencer did nothing of substance after waking up and instead focused on generating clicks for the video.
The Science of Morning Routines: Why They Matter
Regardless of the specifics, the concept of a morning routine has a solid foundation in both psychology and physiology. A well-structured morning routine can offer numerous benefits:
- Increased Productivity: Setting daily goals and priorities early can help you stay focused and accomplish more throughout the day.
- Better Mental Clarity: Practices like meditation and journaling can help clear your mind and improve focus.
- Improved Mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Starting the day with calming activities like yoga or a healthy breakfast can lower stress levels.
- Building Healthy Habits: A consistent morning routine can help you establish and maintain long-term healthy habits.
- Enhanced Energy Levels: Morning exercise can boost energy and reduce fatigue by improving cardiovascular health and increasing oxygen flow.
- Consistent Routine: Exercising in the morning ensures you get your workout done before the day’s demands pile up.
- Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Morning exercise can lead to improved focus and mental energy, potentially increasing productivity at work or in daily tasks.
Niels Eek, a psychologist and co-founder of the mental wellbeing app Remente, explains that routines help individuals stay focused and motivated. Settling into a familiar routine can help your mind get into a state of ‘flow’ and stimulate your brain for a productive day ahead.
Crafting Your Own Personalized Morning Routine: A Practical Guide
While viral routines can be intriguing, the key to success lies in creating a personalized routine that aligns with your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Reflect on Your Goals: What do you want to achieve with your morning routine? Do you want to increase productivity, reduce stress, improve your fitness, or simply feel more energized?
Start Small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning at once. Begin by adding one or two small, manageable tasks, such as drinking a glass of water, stretching for five minutes, or meditating for ten minutes.
Choose Activities You Enjoy: The more you enjoy your morning activities, the more likely you are to stick with them.
Be Realistic: Choose activities that fit into your schedule and that you can realistically maintain over the long term.
Prepare the Night Before: Lay out your workout clothes, pack your lunch, and prepare any necessary materials to streamline your morning.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of a morning routine. Try to stick to your routine as closely as possible, even on weekends.
Be Flexible: Life happens, and sometimes you’ll need to deviate from your routine. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track as soon as possible.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your routine accordingly. If you’re feeling tired, take a rest day. If you’re feeling energized, push yourself a little harder.
Consider the Benefits of Morning Workouts: Morning workouts can bring many benefits that extend beyond physical health, such as:
- Boosted metabolism.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Elevated mood.
- Improved focus and mental clarity.
- Encourages healthy choices.
Examples of Activities to Incorporate:
- Hydration: Drink a glass of water upon waking to rehydrate your body.
- Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes meditating, practicing deep breathing, or journaling to set a positive intention for the day.
- Movement: Engage in some form of physical activity, such as stretching, yoga, walking, or a full workout.
- Nourishment: Eat a healthy breakfast to fuel your body and brain.
- Learning: Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch an educational video to stimulate your mind.
- Planning: Review your to-do list and prioritize tasks for the day.
Expertise and Credentials: Finding the Right Fitness Coach
With the rise of social media, it’s essential to discern credible fitness coaches from those lacking proper qualifications. When seeking guidance, consider the following:
- Certifications: Look for coaches certified by reputable organizations such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
- Education: Some employers look for candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physical education, or kinesiology.
- Experience: Consider the coach’s experience and track record. Do they have a history of helping clients achieve their goals?
- Specialization: Choose a coach who specializes in the type of fitness you’re interested in, whether it’s weight loss, strength training, or sports-specific conditioning.
- CPR/AED Certification: Ensure your fitness instructor has up-to-date cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications.
The Bottom Line: A Morning Routine That Works for You
While fitness coaches’ viral morning routines can be attention-grabbing, the true value lies in understanding the principles behind them and adapting them to your own life. A personalized morning routine can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life. Remember to start small, choose activities you enjoy, and be consistent in your efforts. By prioritizing your mornings, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling day.
