A fitness influencer’s unconventional morning routine has taken the internet by storm, generating millions of views and sparking countless memes. Ashton Hall, a fitness coach, has captured the attention of social media users with his elaborate and somewhat eccentric daily rituals, leaving many questioning the authenticity and practicality of his approach.
The Viral Routine: A Breakdown
Hall’s morning routine, which starts at the unusual time of 3:52 a.m., involves a series of activities that have both intrigued and amused viewers. Here’s a glimpse into his daily regime:
- Early Wake-Up: Hall begins his day before dawn, removing mouth tape, a practice believed to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea, and brushing his teeth.
- Workout and Journaling: From 4:00 a.m. to 4:20 a.m., he engages in a workout followed by journaling, watching motivational videos, and plunging his face into a bowl of ice and bottled Saratoga water.
- Gym and Swimming: By 6:00 a.m., Hall is dressed in exercise clothes and heads to the gym for a treadmill run, followed by a second workout until 7:30 a.m. He then takes a dip in a swimming pool and a plunge pool.
- Hygiene and Skincare: Hall returns home to shower at 8:20 a.m. He then snacks on a banana and wipes the fruit’s skin across his face, a practice some believe helps treat acne and hyperpigmentation.
- Ice Bath and Work: Hall performs a second face plunge into a bowl of ice at 9:00 a.m. before sitting down at his laptop at 9:15 a.m. alongside some breakfast.
Internet Reacts: Is It Real or a Joke?
The internet has responded to Hall’s morning routine with a mix of disbelief, amusement, and skepticism. Many users have questioned the practicality and authenticity of the routine, with some calling it “comedy gold.” Others have pointed out inconsistencies in the video, such as timestamps that shift inexplicably.
- Skepticism: Some viewers believe that Hall’s routine is exaggerated or even staged for comedic effect and to gain attention.
- Amusement: The bizarre elements of the routine, such as the multiple ice water face dunks and the banana peel facial, have provided ample material for memes and jokes.
- Product Placement: The prominent display of Saratoga Spring water has led some to speculate that the video is a form of product placement.
The Method Behind the Madness: Marketing Strategy?
According to an article in Vulture, Hall admitted that a major part of his content strategy is to just copy whatever happens to be trending at the moment.
Hall’s routine may be part of a broader strategy to attract attention and promote his online fitness coaching business. By creating content that is both intriguing and controversial, he can increase his visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Awareness: Hall’s free content PDF gives some content ideas to help with the “awareness” portion of the funnel, suggesting videos like “What I Eat in a Day As a Personal Trainer” or “The #1 Mistake New Gym-Goers Make.”
- Algorithm Bait: The most eye-catching elements of Hall’s morning routine, such as the ice baths, the mouth tape, and the banana-peel facial, are already proven to be algorithmic gold.
The Impact: Saratoga Water’s Unexpected Boost
Despite the skepticism surrounding Hall’s routine, it has had a tangible impact on at least one company: Saratoga Water. According to The Independent, the brand saw a 1,379 percent increase in Google searches following the video, thanks to Hall’s ice water ritual. This unexpected boost highlights the power of social media and influencer marketing, even when the content is perceived as absurd or inauthentic.
