Adapted by:
Alba Otero
Writer“Observe, listen, and reflect” is my journalistic mantra. This philosophy guides me daily and ensures I produce quality journalism. My restlessness has led me explore new areas, such as sustainability and the energy transition, which are crucial to our future. In addition, I’ve also dabbled in street photography, an art that allows me to capture the essence of journalism in action.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
It’s almost four in the morning. While most people are still asleep, some believe this is the perfect time to start their journey to success. It’s not just about waking up early. It’s about following a precise routine that combines extreme discipline, self-care, and exercise. One fitness influencer has pushed this concept to the extreme, and his video has gone viral.
The new sensation. The @tipsformenx X account recently shared a video that quickly went viral. The original clip has garnered more than 8 million likes on TikTok and over 99 million views. In it, fitness influencer Ashton Hall shows his extreme morning routine, which begins at 3:52 a.m.
The routine. The video shows Hall removing his mouth tape, brushing his teeth, and grooming himself before exercising on his balcony. He spends two minutes reading. This is followed by some writing or manifesting–common practices in these routines–and watching videos on his phone. Next, he fills a bowl with sparkling water from his signature blue water bottle. After preparing himself, he dips his face in the bowl and then gets dressed for training.
To conclude his routine, he returns home and takes a shower. He then eats a banana and even rubs the peel on his face. By 9:00 a.m., he dunks his head into ice water again. Next, the video shows him preparing what seems to be a podcast while his breakfast is cooking.
Watch on TikTok
Morning skincare routines. Morning self-care routines have gone viral on TikTok, particularly among women. Female users often share their morning routines through videos showcasing their skincare regimen and short vlogs of their exercise and self-care practices. According to Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, these routines can be beneficial for both physical and mental health when approached sensibly.
This trend has also gained traction among men. Male content creators aim to present a well-organized, productive, and successful life. Like Hall, they’re driven by the pressure to optimize every minute. In other words, they desire to maximize personal performance while also navigating societal expectations surrounding physique and image.
The cult of the body. Male aesthetic pressure and the obsession with appearance have been fueled by a phenomenon known as looksmaxxing. The trend involves striving for an ideal appearance through rigorous physical training, cosmetic surgery, and self-care. This culture reflects a fixation on enhancing personal attractiveness, which many pursue to gain social and economic validation.
The looksmaxxing movement extends beyond fitness to encompass extreme self-care. It reflects an aspiration to meet the aesthetic ideals set by social media to achieve the “alpha” status. In this context, self-care has become essential for perceived success. It’s also accompanied by strict exercise routines and habits such as skincare and supplementation. Influencers and investors often present their appearances as reflections of their financial success, creating a cycle driven by the pressure for constant productivity and social validation.
Going viral. Hall’s video quickly went viral, spawning parodies and imitations. It highlights a growing trend among influencers, entrepreneurs, and crypto-investors who advocate for habits that purportedly lead to success. What was once associated with elite athletes or military personnel has now become an aspirational standard within certain male circles.
Beyond exaggeration and parody, this trend is resonating with many men, and it’s establishing a new code of self-care. In these routines, activities such as moisturizing the skin, meditating, and doing push-ups at 4:00 a.m. coexist. Although men may sometimes adopt these practices under social pressure or an obsession with productivity, they’re gradually redefining the concept of male self-care.
However, it’s an evolution that merits careful consideration.
Image | Sam Sabourin
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