Fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s unconventional “morning routine,” featuring repeated ice water face dunks and banana peel applications, has taken the internet by storm, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread debate. Hall’s commitment to wellness, beginning before dawn, has triggered reactions ranging from fascination to outright mockery, prompting discussions about the efficacy and purpose behind his extreme habits. But is there method to this perceived madness? Let’s break down the science, the skepticism, and the social media frenzy surrounding this viral phenomenon.
Ashton Hall’s Viral Morning Ritual: A Breakdown
Ashton Hall’s routine, meticulously documented in a YouTube video titled “The morning routine that changed my life 3:50am to 9:30am,” begins at 3:50 AM and encompasses a six-hour regimen of workouts, meditation, cold exposure, and mindfulness. Key elements of the routine that have captured public attention include:
- Ice Water Face Dunks: Hall submerges his face in a bowl of ice-cold water twice – once before his workout and again after his shower and skincare routine.
- Banana Peel Face Rub: Mid-routine, Hall consumes a banana and then rubs the peel on his face.
- Early Morning Wake-Up: The routine starts before 4AM.
- Exercise: Push-ups, gym workout, and swimming all feature in his routine.
- Meditation: Mindfulness and journaling are incorporated.
The highly structured and somewhat unusual nature of this routine has triggered a range of reactions online, with many questioning the necessity and purpose of such extreme habits.
The Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind the Trends
While Ashton Hall’s routine has drawn considerable attention, it’s important to examine the scientific basis for some of its key components:
Ice Water Face Dunks: Cold Exposure Benefits
Cold water immersion, or cold plunging, has gained traction in recent years for its potential health benefits.
- Reduced Inflammation and Muscle Soreness: Cold exposure constricts blood vessels, which may reduce inflammation and muscle damage after exercise.
- Increased Alertness: The shock of cold water can stimulate the nervous system, leading to increased alertness and improved cognitive function.
- Improved Skin Tone: Some believe that cold water can tighten the skin and improve its overall appearance.
- Stress Resistance: Regular cold plunges may lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Immune System Boost: Cold exposure may stimulate the immune system.
- Metabolism Boost: Cold water immersion might jumpstart the metabolism and help burn body fat.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Cold plunges could improve the body’s ability to lower blood sugar.
However, it’s important to note that research in this area is ongoing, and more extensive studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of cold water immersion. Additionally, athletes engaged in resistance training might want to skip ice baths, as cold water slows muscle growth.
Banana Peel on the Face: Nutritional Value or Just a Peel of a Joke?
The practice of rubbing banana peel on the face has less scientific backing but draws from the nutritional properties of banana peels.
- Antioxidants: Banana peels contain antioxidants like dopamine and gallocatechin, which can help fight free radicals and prevent chronic conditions. The peel has higher antioxidant levels than the flesh.
- Potassium: Bananas are a good source of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte important for regulating fluid balance, healthy blood pressure, and muscle contractions.
- Vitamins: Banana peels contain nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin B6.
- Skin Benefits: Some believe that applying banana peel to the skin can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin health due to its antioxidant properties.
However, it’s crucial to consider potential downsides:
- Pesticide Contamination: Non-organic banana peels may contain pesticide residue, necessitating thorough washing.
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: Limited research supports the direct benefits of topical banana peel application.
Is Banana Peel Tea a Better Alternative?
Instead of rubbing the peel on your face, some wellness communities suggest making banana peel tea.
- Sleep Aid: Banana peels contain precursors for melatonin and serotonin, which regulate the circadian rhythm and help with sleep onset. They also contain potassium and magnesium, which can lower blood pressure and relax the nervous system.
- Other Nutrients: They contain nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin B6, which support a healthy microbiome. Good gut health can lead to longer and more efficient sleep.
- Antioxidants: Traditionally, banana peels have been used to soothe illnesses, including ulcers, anemia, and inflammation due to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
However, banana peel tea may not be for everyone. Individuals who need to watch their potassium intake or are sensitive to tannins should exercise caution.
The Skepticism and Social Media Mockery
Despite the potential benefits, Ashton Hall’s routine has been met with considerable skepticism and mockery on social media. Some viewers have questioned the purpose and necessity of his extreme habits, while others have humorously pointed out inconsistencies in his video’s time stamps.
- “Fake Job” Accusations: Some users have ridiculed Hall’s “fake job” moments, suggesting that his routine is more about appearances than actual productivity.
- Water Advertisement Theories: The repeated face dunking has led some to joke that the video is an advertisement for water.
- Time Discrepancies: Eagle-eyed viewers have noted discrepancies in the video’s time stamps, suggesting that the routine may not be as seamless as it appears.
- Overall Ridicule: Some have made fun of the banana peel face rubs as something new that men are doing.
This widespread mockery highlights the fine line between wellness inspiration and perceived absurdity in the age of social media.
The Broader Context: Influencer Culture and Extreme Routines
Ashton Hall’s viral routine reflects a broader trend of influencers promoting extreme wellness practices. This trend raises questions about:
- Authenticity: Are these routines genuine reflections of healthy living, or are they carefully curated performances for online consumption?
- Accessibility: Are these extreme routines accessible and sustainable for the average person, or do they promote unrealistic expectations?
- Impact: What is the impact of these routines on viewers’ perceptions of health and wellness?
Hall, who has amassed a substantial following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, continues to post variations of his morning rituals, each including the signature ice dunk. His success underscores the growing popularity of extreme routines in the digital age, even as they spark wider conversations and debate.
Expert Opinion
While Hall’s methods may seem extreme, some experts suggest there could be merit to his routine. According to Healthline, cold water facial exposure may reduce inflammation, increase alertness, and improve skin tone.
Andrew Jagim, Ph. D., specializes in sports medicine, and suggests consulting with a sports medicine specialist to ensure you’re plunging appropriately and following the right protocol. He also suggests that if you have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, check with your primary care provider or cardiologist so you know it’s safe for you to cold plunge.
Conclusion: Inspiration or Satire?
Ashton Hall’s viral morning routine has undoubtedly captured the internet’s attention, sparking a mix of fascination, confusion, and mockery. While the scientific basis for some of his practices, such as cold exposure, is supported by research, other aspects, like rubbing banana peel on the face, remain largely unproven. Whether Hall’s routine is a stroke of wellness genius or an elaborate satire is up for debate. Regardless, it serves as a reminder to approach online wellness trends with a critical eye and to prioritize practices that are both sustainable and supported by scientific evidence.
