Fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s extreme morning routine isn’t for the faint-hearted. From waking before 4 am to plunging his face into a bowl of Saratoga Spring Water, his unconventional habits have captivated millions of users on X, enamouring some, while others questioning the unrealistic routine.
The video posted on X that has racked up nearly a billion views has also sparked memes, copycat trends, and debate on the scientific relevance of some of the wellness trends.
Inside Ashton Hall’s viral routine
The short clip features timestamped snapshots of his morning rituals which includes ice-water dunks, banana peels rubbed on his face, meditation, journaling, and intense workouts. The video starts by giving a glimpse of his nighttime routine – mouth taping which is believed to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea.
After working out in his terrace from 4am to 4.20 am Hall and then moves on to write in his journal. He then quickly plunges his face into a bowl of ice and bottled Saratoga water.
Around 6am, Hall is seen decked up in his workout gear and heading to the gym to run on the treadmill. After working out till 7.30, he takes a dip in a swimming pool before getting in a plunge pool.
After returning home, he showers at 8.20am and snacks on a banana after which he rubs the peel across his face, which many believe treats acne and hyperpigmentation.
Who’s Ashton Hall?
Ashton Fall is a Florida-based fitness trainer who regularly posts videos of daily routines. He is a former college football running back. He has 4.8 million followers on TikTok and has over 9 million followers on Instagram. He also has 2.96 million subscribers on YouTube.
His feed is full of fitness videos but this one has caught widespread attention. Hall has recently incorporated a new habit – dunking his head into a bowl of Saratoga Spring Water or Saratoga Splash in his morning routine, which has intrigued many.
Timestamped morning routines are becoming popular among fitness influencers. Much like the one posted by Hall, the surge and popularity of such videos could be attributed to their short format, easily digestible content and a promise to live an ideal lifestyle.
More about the wellness practices shown in this video
Mouth taping
Mouth taping means sealing your mouth shut during sleep with the help of a tape. The motto of this practice is to encourage nasal breathing which promises to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. A study published in Healthcare found mouth taping could decrease mouth leaks and improve sleep parameters in individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Saratoga Splash
Saratoga Spring Water is naturally enriched with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for various body functions such as bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Consuming mineral-rich water like Saratoga Spring Water can contribute to overall hydration and nutrient intake. Nonetheless, it’s important to consume such water in moderation, as excessive intake of certain minerals may have adverse effects.
Rubbing banana peel on skin
Rubbing banana peels could nourish skin with antioxidants and bioactive compounds. A study published in Heliyon, a peer-reviewed journal found that the anti-inflammatory properties of compounds found in banana peels could treat skin conditions like acne. However, more extensive clinical research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of using banana peels in skincare.
Journaling
Journaling has been associated with various mental health benefits. Regular journaling can enhance mood, increase emotional awareness, and reduce stress levels. Additionally, the practice of writing about traumatic experiences can improve immune function by boosting lymphocyte activity. These findings suggest that journaling can be a valuable tool in managing mental health and promoting overall well-being.
Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness practices can help people manage anxiety, stress, depression, and pain. It can also improve sleep quality and help in substance withdrawal. Although more research is needed to fully understand these effects, current evidence supports the incorporation of meditation into wellness routines.
Morning exercise
Engaging in morning exercise has been shown to have distinct metabolic effects. A study published in ScienceDaily reported that the timing of exercise can influence the body’s metabolic response, with morning exercise potentially enhancing fat metabolism and improving glucose tolerance. These findings highlight the importance of considering exercise timing as part of a comprehensive approach to health and fitness.
Swimming
Swimming, particularly in natural settings, has been associated with mental health and well-being benefits. A review published in Environmental Research examined studies on open water swimming and found positive effects on mental health, including reductions in stress and improvements in mood. The combination of physical activity, immersion in nature, and social interaction inherent in swimming may contribute to these benefits.