A fitness influencer’s unconventional morning routine has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with many social media users ridiculing his eccentric habits and questioning the routine’s practicality. The influencer, Ashton Hall, has found himself at the center of a viral internet debate after a video showcasing his early morning routine resurfaced and ignited mixed reactions.
The Viral Routine: A Deep Dive
Ashton Hall, known online as ASH Fitness, is an American fitness influencer and personal trainer with millions of followers across various platforms. Hall’s now popular video, “The morning routine that changed my life 3:50 AM to 9:30 AM,” is very popular these days. It has been viewed millions of times, and people don’t know why it has become a worldwide phenomenon overnight. The video, originally posted on February 8, 2025, resurfaced on March 20 when a men’s fitness page reshared it on X (formerly Twitter), quickly gaining traction with thousands of views and comments.
Hall’s extreme early morning routine includes:
- Waking up at 3:50 AM
- Removing tape from his mouth (a practice known as mouth taping, believed by some to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea, despite limited scientific support)
- Brushing his teeth
- Drinking bottled water
- An early morning workout (around 4:00 AM to 4:20 AM)
- Journaling
- Watching a motivational video
- Dunking his head in a bowl of ice-cold water
- Going to the gym for an intense run
- Swimming
- Showering
- Eating a banana and rubbing the peel on his face
- Dunking his face into a bowl of iced-water again
- Starting work at his laptop
- Being served breakfast
Social Media Erupts: Mockery and Skepticism
The influencer’s video, which purports to show his extreme morning routine, has gone viral with some viewers questioning its veracity. While Hall’s routine reflects discipline, many questioned whether waking up at 4 a.m. for six hours of content creation and fitness is truly productive. The internet has responded with a mix of amusement, disbelief, and outright mockery. Many users have questioned the practicality and necessity of such an elaborate routine, while others have focused on specific elements, such as the ice water face dunks and banana peel application, as particularly bizarre.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Critics argue that Hall’s routine is unattainable for most people due to time constraints, resources, and lifestyle differences. Some have pointed out the perceived lack of responsibilities that would allow for such a demanding schedule.
- Performative Productivity: Some social media users criticized the “performative” nature of the routine, suggesting that it’s designed to impress rather than promote genuine well-being. One user noted, “I think about how many times it took to start/stop and set up the camera.”
- Bizarre Elements: The ice water face dunking, done twice in the routine (once before the gym and again after showering and skincare), has baffled many viewers. The act of rubbing a banana peel on his face has also drawn considerable attention and ridicule.
- “Comedy Gold”: Some users have simply found the routine humorous, with one commenting, “This is comedy gold.” Others have questioned the logic behind certain actions, such as the mouth taping and the timing of the ice water dunks.
The Defense: Discipline and Motivation
Despite the wave of criticism, Hall has also found support online. Some defend his dedication and the motivation he provides to his followers. They argue that his routine, while extreme, showcases discipline and commitment to self-improvement.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Supporters praise Hall for inspiring them to pursue their own fitness goals and adopt healthier habits.
- Discipline and Hard Work: Some argue that Hall’s routine, regardless of its practicality, demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to self-improvement.
- Personal Choice: Some commentators have defended Hall’s right to follow whatever routine works for him, regardless of whether others find it strange or impractical.
The Science (Maybe) Behind the Bizarre
While many elements of Hall’s routine appear unusual, some practices have potential scientific backing, though often lacking rigorous support:
- Cold Water Exposure: Experts suggest there could be merit to the routine. According to Healthline, cold water facial exposure may reduce inflammation, increase alertness, and improve skin tone—potentially explaining its inclusion in Hall’s routine.
- Mouth Taping: Mouth taping while sleeping has become fashionable in recent times, as some people believe it can help reduce snoring and improve mild sleep apnea. In addition, some think that breathing through your nose can filter out dust and allergens when sleeping. However, the practice which lacks rigorous scientific support, can pose a number of risks. These include breathing problems, as mouth taping can impair breathing and reduce oxygen levels. Also, the difficultly in breathing can lead to sleep disruption. On top of this, irritation can be caused by tape which can cause allergic reactions. Finally, dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay can also be oral health issues caused by mouth taping.
Influencer Culture Under Scrutiny
Hall’s viral routine has reignited the debate about influencer culture, self-improvement trends, and the pressure to project an image of extreme productivity and wellness. It raises questions about the authenticity of online personas and the potential for unrealistic expectations to negatively impact viewers. The incident also highlights the growing popularity of extreme routines in the digital age.
- Authenticity vs. Performance: The video raises questions about the line between authentic self-expression and curated performance in the influencer world.
- The Pressure to Optimize: Hall’s routine exemplifies the trend of optimizing every aspect of life for maximum productivity and self-improvement, which can be overwhelming and unsustainable for many.
- Mental Health Concerns: Some commentators have expressed concern that such extreme routines could contribute to anxiety and other mental health issues.
The Takeaway: Tailoring Wellness to Individual Needs
Whether Hall’s routine is a stroke of genius, a comedic performance, or simply a reflection of personal preferences, the online discussion highlights the importance of tailoring wellness practices to individual needs and circumstances. What works for one person may not be suitable or sustainable for another.
