Morning Routines of Women We Love
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.

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

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.

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.

What time do you get up?
6:15 a.m.
How do you get ready for the day?
What do you wear?
What time do you get out the door?
Do you workout in the mornings?
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!