The world of fitness influencers is often filled with unconventional routines that promise to enhance both physical well-being and mental clarity. One such routine that recently gained traction is that of Miami-based fitness influencer, Ashton Hall. His elaborate morning regimen, which he shared with his followers on Instagram, features an eye-catching element: dunking his face in ice-cold Saratoga water. Intrigued by the concept, I decided to give this chilling practice a trial run myself.

Initially posted on February 7, Hall's video showcased an extensive five-hour morning routine packed with various activities designed to invigorate both the body and mind. His process includes an intense workout session, meditative practices, and journaling, all wrapped up with the seemingly bizarre ritual of applying banana peels to his face. While the video initially garnered modest attention, it exploded in popularity when a mens fashion account shared it on the social media platform X, igniting a wave of discussion among viewers.

What caught the attention of manyand perhaps raised eyebrowswas Halls peculiar practice of submerging his face multiple times in bowls filled with icy water, specifically Saratoga spring water. This act was not merely for shock value; Hall claims that the cold water invigorates him, sharpening his focus and energizing him for the day ahead. Curious about the potential benefits behind this frigid aspect of his routine, I took the plungequite literallyinto this icy experience.

For several days, I engaged in Hall's face-dunking ritual, immersing my face into bowls of ice-cold Saratoga water, hoping to uncover its purported benefits. What I found, however, was a bit underwhelming. Each dip was a jolt to my senses, an immediate shock of cold that left me gasping for breath, but beyond that initial reaction, I struggled to find any lasting impact. The process felt less like a refreshing boost and more like an exercise in endurance. Was the icy water supposed to provide a heightened sense of alertness? Or perhaps a glow to my skin that I could not perceive? Regardless, I felt no significant change.

This experience raised interesting questions about the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of wellness and vitality. While Halls routine may resonate with some, the reality is that not every unconventional method works for everyone. Perhaps the benefits of such practices are subjective, dependent on personal experiences and individual responses to cold exposure.

Ultimately, my foray into this icy ritual did not yield the transformative effects I had hoped for. While I admire Halls commitment to his routine and the creativity behind his morning practices, I found that dunking my face in ice-cold Saratoga water felt, quite frankly, ineffectual. However, it did serve as a reflective exercise, prompting me to consider the balance between trying new wellness trends and understanding what genuinely works for my own body.