Every fall when kids go back to school (or you go back to school!) and the air gets a little crisper is the perfect chance to revamp your morning routine for an easier smoother start to the day. We asked some of our favorite women to share their morning routines so that you can borrow some of their highly effective habits.
Brit Turner
CEO at Fit Atelier
What time do you get up?
I usually get up around 7:45 AM or 8:00 AM, jump in the shower, throw some OUAI Air Dry Foam in my hair, tag team getting my sweet almost-2-year old ready for the day with my hubs.
Do you have breakfast?
Yes! I need breakfast! I usually grab an Avocado Toast and about five black teas with steamed oat milk.
How do you get ready for the day?
I leave the house with wet hair every morning. I am incredibly lucky that I have easy to manage texture. I wash my face with Biologique Recherche Cleanser ( I get all of their stuff at Toska European Spa) or Glossier Milky Jelly every morning and then slather about 500 serums from Bilogique Recherche, Joanna Vargas and Ursa Major.
What time do you get out the door? I have to get out the door by 8:50 on days my daughter goes to preschool, when she's with her nanny, I'm out by 9 AM. It's my internal clock's time to get to work!
Do you workout?
If so, what do you do? Where do you go? What time? I work out at different times a day that is pretty dependent on what projects I'm working on. My go-to is SCLPT MTHD because it combines the therapy that I'm certain I need with a workout.
Marissa West
Founder + Creator of West Kept Secret
What time do you get up?
I get up at 4:30am sharp every morning to give myself an hour to wake up before working with clients. This way I am totally energized and ready to give my all!
What's your breakfast routine?
I eat breakfast every morning! It is my favorite meal of the day. I typically eat 2 eggs, topped with tomatoes and avocado. I don’t drink coffee (I know, who am I!?) However, I always drink water with lemon to flush out toxins and fully hydrate me for the day.
How do you get ready? Favorite products?
My morning skincare and makeup routine is pretty quick! I always wash my face with Biologique Recherche cleanser, followed by their P50 toner, their moisturizer, and sunscreen. Then it is on to mascara and undereye concealer, since the undereye bags can be pretty noticeable that early in the morning! I love my tarte shape tape concealer and tarte “maneater” mascara. They stay on all day long and I never have to touch up! I also live for dry shampoo in the morning. I spray Big Sexy volumizing dry shampoo and then tie my hair back in a pony tail or bun or toss on a hat to pull my morning look together.
What time do you get out the door?
I get out of the door at 5:30am to head over to the studio to begin working with clients.
Do you workout in the mornings?
I work from 5:30am-10:30am every morning, so my workout hour is at 11am every day. I always feel the most alive and energized at this hour and love to crush my personal workouts. I usually do a WKS interval-based workout at the studio or head outside for a cardio interval if weather permits. I also love to try other local workouts in Charlotte to vary my routine. Sometimes it just feels good to be pushed by someone else. ☺
Melanie Morton
Chief Fitness Officer at Fit Atelier
What time do you get up?
Every day is different but usually between 6:45 and 8 am. I'm not a morning person so I only get up before 7 am if I really want to do a particular workout that day.
What do you typically do for breakfast?
I workout first then I usualy have a breakfast of avocado toast with an egg (because I'm basic!) and coffee.
How do you get ready? Favorite products? Again, I'm v basic so I wash my face with Ursa Major face wash, throw some Kristen Ess dry shampoo in my hair, and use tinted moisturizer for make up. Right now I'm loving one by Hourglass.
What time do you get out the door?
Depends on what time I workout. Typically if I'm going to 7am spin, I leave at 6:45, if I'm going to Hilliard Studio Method, I'm out the door at 8am.
Do you workout in the mornings?
LOL Do I workout? Yes. Monday is my day off so I usually go for a run, take a Hilliard Studio Method Class, and go to Chakti Yoga. I like to fit in as many workouts I can that day. I'm currently training for a half marathon so my schedule is a little wacky. Tuesdays and Thursdays I like to go hard with back to back workouts starting with 7am spin and 8:15 Hilliard Studio Method. SCLPT MTHD + WKS are in rotation throughout my week as well. I always try to save time for 1-2 new workouts each week to keep things interesting.
Abby Wilson
Founder + Creator of SCLPT MTHD
What time do you get up?
I usually get up around 7am every morning (unless I have to teach at 6am)!
What is breakfast for you like?
I wake up and immediately need coffee. I also can’t live without my frother. I normally froth my fav almond milk from green brothers! After making my coffee, I normally meditate anywhere from 10-20 mins every morning. I’ve noticed a huge shift in my day since starting to meditate when I wake up each day. By the time I am done, I am normally ready for a smoothie.
How do you typically get ready for the day?
Most mornings, I am either running out to a workout or to teach a class. I use Elizabeth & James Nirvana White dry shampoo , spritz Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt and run out the door. My fav shampoo brand is Oribe and skincare line is Marie Veronique. I try to use all organic make up too. It’s hard to choose, but RMS/Alima Pure/ILIA/Lily Lolo are my top contenders.
What time do you get out the door?
I get out the door between 8:30/9 and depending on the day, don’t get home until 9pm!
Do you workout in the mornings?
I have always been a big runner, so that is always my go to if I can’t fit a class in my day. I run around 3 times a week, practice yoga 3 days a week and normally take a high intensity or mega former class two times a week.
Maggie Leonard
Director of Business Development at Fit Atelier
What time do you get up?
Usually between 6 and 7. My puppy doesn't sleep in and I love to get up and get my workout in early!
Are you a breakfast person?
Always. Usually some form of eggs with veggies and avocado. And yes, coffee!
How do you get ready to leave the house?
I keep it simple during the week and get ready pretty quickly. I do take my time with skincare though (moisturizing is key!). Depending on the day I'll throw on a fave pair of leggings or an easy summer dress. I can't live without Ursa Major's natural deodorant, Herbivore's phoenix oil or Supergoop's sunscreen.
What time do you get out the door?
Between 8:30 and 9.
Do you workout in the mornings?
I love morning workouts because it gives me so much more energy and sets a positive tone for the entire day! I love a long morning run, Hot Vinyasa at Charlotte Yoga and WKS (shoutout to Heidi's 6am class!). No matter the workout, I like to be done by 8am.
Liz Hilliard
Founder + Creator of Hilliard Studio Method
What time do you get up?
6:15 a.m.
What's your breakfast like?
I check the news feed on my phone while heating a pot of matcha tea (my favorite — you can’t beat the slow-release caffeine and all those antioxidants and nutrients). I pair my first cup of match with a sliced pink lady apple. Seriously the only apple I will eat! Then, I blend up my HSM Signature Smoothie and pour another cup of matcha tea. If I had a late night, I'll brew a cup of black coffee to help rev up my jets!
How do you get ready for the day?
After breakfast and news I shower up. I keep emu oil in my shower to put on my wet skin before toweling off. Awesome moisture barrier! Then, I spray on my favorite self tanner which is Supergoop! Healthy Glow sunless tan with SPF 50. I’m totally addicted to this stuff and it flies off our shelves at HSM. Then, I add my favorite light oil as a final touch: Fresh Sugar Oil and La Mer moisturizers. I also love Drybar’s hair products right now, especially their Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.
What do you wear?
My workout go to's are the latest and greatest from Fit Atelier and include All Fenix and Varley. I’m also a long-time fan of Lucas Hugh London.
What time do you get out the door?
I’m out the door at 8:00 a.m. for class.
Do you workout in the mornings?
That’s a definite yes ;) I head to my studio, Hilliard Studio Method, of course! I go in to the studio M, T, W, F to teach, take and film our HSM Live Class (Wednesday at 10:45). I workout at home with my Pilates equipment or lift heavy weights on Thursday. Or, if I’m lucky, I’ll have the chance to work out at my other studio, HSM | Core, for 40 hardcore minutes on the Megaformer. If I’m not teaching on a Saturday, I’ll walk or bike to get errands done. It’s amazing what I can get into a backpack! I’ve been creating and doing my workouts almost daily for a decade and that helps me to keep it fresh, constantly evolving and always results-driven.
Heidi Schmidt
Master Trainer, West Kept Secret
What time do you get up?
Two days a week I am up at 4:30am to teach classes and train clients! I’ve never been a morning person, and still am not, but when you’re helping people achieve their goals, you make exceptions! The other 3 work week days, I’m awake by 7:30am and on weekends, as much as I’d love to sleep in, I’m teaching Saturday morning classes, or my black lab (Mella) is too excited for the day to allow me to do that!
What's your breakfast typically consist of?
Caution: do not approach me prior to my morning coffee. I have always loved coffee and my favorite is a plain, black, iced coffee. I stock up on the cold brew or blonde roast (both by Starbucks) in the refrigerated section at Harris Teeter and pour that over ice in a Yeti cup every morning!
How do you get ready for the day?
Quickly :) The night before my early mornings, I lay out my workout outfit, makeup, straightener, deodorant and toothbrush to make getting ready so early a non-stressful event. I highly recommend this for early workout people because it’s an easy transition and reminds you of your commitment to get where you are supposed to be! On teaching/training days, dry shampoo (Dry Me by Wella) and instant de-frizzer (by Living Proof) are a must. On a daily basis, I do my Biologique Recherche skincare regimen, then apply my NARS undereye concealer, IT CC+ face powder, and NARS bronzer, then use an eyebrow pencil/brush to finish!
What time do you get out the door?
On my 2 training days, I’m out the door BY 5am, no later. On all other days, I may never get out the door because my corporate job is remote and I have an in-home office (I’m very lucky!)
Do you workout in the mornings?
Yes! I work out 6 days a week and take 1 rest day (usually Sunday, I LOVE Sundays). I have found that on days I don’t have a workout planned, I can be a bit cranky! I do HIIT personal training sessions at West Kept Secret 3 times a week. On the other 3 days, I mix cardio and strength by running outside (if weather doesn’t permit, I ride my in-home bike), some form of pilates, or a local cycling class. All of my workouts take place late mornings or after lunchtime (remember: not a morning person). I love trying new workouts and instructors all over Charlotte, so hit me up if you need an accountability buddy!