The Myth of the Viral Morning Routine: 5 Reasons to Avoid Success Porn
Fitness influencer Ashton Hall has taken the internet by storm with his seemingly perfect morning routine. Waking up at the crack of dawn, downing exotic water, and sprinting on a treadmill in designer watches—it’s the kind of content that makes you think, Wow, maybe if I do this, I’ll be successful too! But let’s take a step back. Is this really how a successful person starts their day? And more importantly, should you even try to copy it?
The short answer? No. Let’s break down five major problems with this viral trend and why chasing these picture-perfect routines can be harmful.
1. It’s a Performance, Not Reality
Let’s be real—Ashton Hall does not do this routine every morning. No one does. The elaborate wake-ups, the ice baths, the hyper-structured schedule—it’s all designed for engagement, not for sustainability. It’s a performance, a highly curated spectacle meant to inspire (and entertain) but not necessarily to be replicated. Because, let’s face it, no one actually runs on a treadmill with a Rolex on. It’s a hilarious visual, but it’s not real life.
Social media thrives on perfection. Every influencer, whether they admit it or not, curates their content to be as engaging as possible. The morning routines you see online are often exaggerated or outright staged to create an aspirational aesthetic. But behind the camera, these influencers are just people—people who hit snooze, skip workouts, and indulge in cheat meals just like everyone else.
2. Success Doesn’t Come From a Fancy Routine
The biggest issue with routines like this going viral is that young men, eager to improve their lives, may start believing that mimicking these extreme habits is the secret to success. The truth? Waking up at 4 AM and dunking your face in Saratoga Water won’t make you fit, rich, or famous. Hard work and consistency will—but that’s not the kind of content that racks up millions of views.
Ashton Hall is in phenomenal shape, but it’s not because he follows this flashy morning ritual. It’s because he has spent years training, eating right, and staying disciplined. The problem is, the actual work that gets people in shape—the grueling workouts, the clean eating, the nights where motivation is nonexistent—rarely goes viral. The hard truth? The most effective habits are often the least exciting.
3. It Creates Unrealistic Expectations
There’s a psychological danger to consuming too much of this type of content. It can lead to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy. When people see influencers leading seemingly perfect lives, it’s easy to think, Why can’t I do that? The reality is, you’re only seeing a fraction of their day—the part that’s polished and designed to impress.
Aspiring influencers and fitness enthusiasts should be cautious about getting caught up in the glamorous fitness lifestyle they see online. Not everyone can—or should—live like Ashton Hall. His life is awesome, no doubt, but it’s also uniquely his. Trying to copy it exactly won’t make you him; it’ll just make you frustrated when you can’t keep up.
4. Influencers Have Resources Most People Don’t
And let’s be honest—Ashton Hall has resources that most people don’t. He has access to high-end gyms, professional trainers, nutritionists, and, most importantly, the time to dedicate to fitness content creation. If you’re juggling work, school, or family responsibilities, trying to replicate his schedule might be more harmful than beneficial.
Instead of chasing an unrealistic ideal, focus on being the best version of yourself every day. Find a morning routine that works for your schedule, your goals, and your body. Success isn’t about waking up at 4 AM; it’s about showing up consistently, putting in the effort, and staying patient.
5. The Fitness Industry Prioritizes Aesthetics Over Substance
One of the reasons routines like Ashton Hall’s go viral is because they look impressive. Social media loves visuals—high-definition clips of people sprinting at sunrise, lifting heavy weights in pristine gyms, and drinking fancy Saratoga Water in luxury apartments. But the fitness industry often prioritizes aesthetics over substance.
Hard work doesn’t look glamorous. Grit and perseverance don’t always make for eye-catching content. That’s why you rarely see influencers posting their failed lifts, their days of low energy, or their struggles with motivation. But those moments are just as real—and arguably more important—than the highlight reels.
If you really want to succeed in fitness, shift your focus from trying to replicate someone else’s polished lifestyle to mastering the basics: consistent training, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and mental resilience. Those aren’t flashy, but they work.
Final Thoughts
Ashton Hall’s morning routine makes for a great video, but it’s not the blueprint for success—it’s entertainment. Don’t get lost in the highlight reels of influencers online. Instead, craft a lifestyle that is realistic, sustainable, and fulfilling for you. Work hard, stay consistent, and remember: real success doesn’t come from copying someone else’s morning—it comes from owning your own day.
If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, it’s that success isn’t about mimicking what looks good on camera. It’s about creating habits that work in the real world. So, rather than chasing a viral routine, build one that makes sense for your life—and stick with it.
