Ashton Hall, an entrepreneur and fitness influencer, is currently making waves online due to his incredibly detailed and intense morning routine. The routine, which starts before 4 a.m. and lasts for approximately six hours, has garnered millions of views and sparked both admiration and ridicule across social media platforms.
Who is Ashton Hall?
Ashton Hall is a 29-year-old fitness coach and entrepreneur who shares health, lifestyle, and business content across various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. He has amassed a significant following, with millions of followers drawn to his disciplined approach to wellness and his “hustle-core” lifestyle content. Hall helps fitness coaches “build their brand” and is known for his unwavering dedication to self-improvement.
Decoding Ashton Hall’s Viral Morning Routine
Hall’s extreme morning routine, documented in a YouTube video titled “The morning routine that changed my life 3:50am to 9:30am,” has captured the internet’s attention. The video showcases a meticulously planned schedule that includes a variety of activities, some of which have been met with confusion and amusement.
The 3:50 AM Start: Mouth Taping and Hydration
Hall begins his day at 3:50 a.m., starting with removing mouth tape, a practice some believe reduces snoring and improves sleep apnea. He then brushes his teeth and gargles with Saratoga Spring Water. The Saratoga water bottle is prominently featured throughout the video.
Push-Ups, Meditation, and Journaling
Following his initial hygiene routine, Hall engages in a series of physical and mental exercises. He does push-ups, spends time reading and journaling, and listens to what appears to be a spiritual podcast.
The Icy Plunge: Face Dunking in Saratoga Water
A recurring element of Hall’s routine is face dunking in a bowl filled with ice and Saratoga Spring Water. He prepares an ice bath, massages the ice, and submerges his face for several minutes. This practice is repeated later in the morning.
Gym, Swim, and Shower
Around 6 a.m., Hall heads to the gym for a workout, which includes sprinting on a treadmill. He then takes a dip in a swimming pool before returning home to shower.
The Banana Peel Facial
Perhaps one of the most talked-about aspects of Hall’s routine is his use of a banana peel as a facial treatment. He eats a banana and then rubs the inside of the peel on his face, a practice some believe helps treat acne and hyperpigmentation.
Back to Work (and More Ice)
After his shower and banana peel facial, Hall dresses in a blazer and sits down at his desk to begin his workday. He then submerges his face in ice-cold water for a second time.
Social Media Reacts: Savage Roasts and Internet Memes
Hall’s extreme routine has generated a wide range of reactions online. While some admire his dedication and discipline, others have ridiculed the routine as being excessive and performative.
Viral Video Spurs Memes and Parodies
The video has been widely shared and parodied on social media platforms. Many users have created memes and satirical content inspired by Hall’s routine, focusing on elements like the mouth taping, ice water plunges, and banana peel facial.
MrBeast and Others Join the Fun
Even prominent figures like MrBeast have weighed in on the routine, further amplifying the online buzz and contributing to the humorous commentary surrounding Hall’s practices.
Criticism and Skepticism
Some social media users have questioned the practicality and authenticity of Hall’s routine. Critics have pointed out the time-consuming nature of the activities and questioned whether the routine is truly sustainable or simply a performance for social media. Some have called it an example of “How to look productive while getting almost nothing done.”
Saratoga Water’s Unintentional Win: $1.8 Million in Free Advertising
One unexpected outcome of Hall’s viral video is the significant boost it gave to Saratoga Spring Water. The brand’s signature blue bottles are prominently featured throughout the video, leading to a surge in online searches and brand recognition.
Google Searches Skyrocket
Following the video’s release, Google searches for Saratoga Water reportedly increased by 1,379%.
Earned Media Value (EMV)
Marketing experts estimate that Hall’s video generated approximately $1.8 million worth of unpaid digital exposure for Saratoga Water. This earned media value (EMV) is a metric used in influencer marketing to calculate the monetary value of brand exposure from social media engagement and mentions.
Is it an Ad? FTC Rules and Disclosure
The prominent placement of Saratoga Water has led some to speculate whether Hall’s video was a paid advertisement. However, the lack of disclosure has also led to discussion around FTC rules and how social media influencers are required to disclose paid partnerships with brands, or both the influencer and the brand may face fines.
Hall’s Response: Leaning into the Memes
Hall seems to be aware of the online conversation surrounding his morning routine and has responded with humor and self-awareness.
Acknowledging the Buzz
In a recent video, Hall included references to the memes and reactions his routine has sparked. This suggests that he is embracing the attention, even if it is not always positive.
Hovering for Four Minutes
One notable moment in Hall’s response video is when he leaps into the air and hovers for four minutes, seemingly in response to memes about the length and intensity of his routine.
The Bigger Picture: Productivity, Authenticity, and the Hustle Culture
Ashton Hall’s viral morning routine has sparked a broader conversation about productivity, authenticity, and the “hustle culture” often promoted on social media.
Questioning the Grindset
Some social media users have questioned whether Hall’s routine is a genuine pursuit of self-improvement or simply a performance designed to impress and generate engagement.
The Pressure to Optimize
The video has also raised questions about the pressure to optimize every aspect of one’s life and the potential for such intense routines to be unsustainable or even detrimental to well-being.
Finding a Balance
Ultimately, the debate surrounding Ashton Hall’s morning routine highlights the importance of finding a balance between discipline, self-care, and authenticity in the pursuit of personal and professional goals.
