Whether we’re reading about celebrities and their 4am workout sessions, or watching TikTokers describe their #5to9 activities, we’re always interested in having a nosey at other people’s morning routines. Perhaps it’s because we’re so aware that starting your day well can make or break the rest of it; those in the wellness world are often talking about the importance of a good wake up routine.

However, it also pays to be realistic, which is why we were very pleased to discover that the Peloton instructors we spoke to below admit to having a quick scroll on their phone upon waking, and not necessarily having an elaborate skincare regime. So far, so reassuring. They’ve also got some really useful things to say when it comes to motivating yourself to exercise in the morning, so if you’re struggling to get out from under the covers at the moment, let alone pull on your trainers, then read on…

Joslyn Thompson Rule

Having trained as a sports therapist and worked within the fitness industry as a personal trainer, mentor and coach for over 19 years, Joslyn is now a Peloton Instructor and teaches tread and bootcamp classes from Peloton Studios London.

What time do you get up? 

Between 5am and 6am, sometimes the snooze button is too inviting! But I try to get up earlier than my little ones as it’s the quietest time of the day so I know I can get some work done.

First thing you do when you wake up?

Usually a double espresso! I have a love/hate relationship with coffee, too much is too much for me and I feel anxious, so one cup a day or none at all suits me these days. I really like Rooibos tea too.

Morning fuel?

Usually a bowl of porridge and some scrambled eggs. If I’m teaching super early, I will prep some granola and yoghurt the night before and take it with me.

Do you have any morning rituals?

I’m more of a night-time ritual person, that’s kind of my set up for the morning, having a good night’s sleep.

What’s your morning beauty routine like?

I’m not joking when I say it’s about two minutes! I moisturise with Palmer’s cocoa butter , then use NARS foundation , MAC bronzer and blusher and I’m good to go. If I’m feeling like making more of an effort I will pencil in my eyebrows and wear mascara, but all in that’s still about two minutes. I am a great disappointment to my little sister who is a make up artist. However I am enjoying starting to experiment, it’s only taken me 44 years and I did a sterling job of applying false lashes for a night out, so all is not lost!

How do you choose what to wear?

I try to do as little thinking as I can in the morning, so if I am working, I will already have what I am wearing for my workout in my bag. If I’m working from home, ferrying the little ones around, I’m sweats all the way!

How long does it take you to get ready?

Including my two minutes of make up, then getting dressed and hair, maybe five to seven minutes; quicker if my hair is in braids as it’s already done. Some of my colleagues think it’s funny how quick I can get ready – I will arrive after them to work and be ready before them. Two kids makes you really efficient with time!

Are you a morning person?

Yes definitely! Although some are easier than others!

Do you have a fail safe way to motivate yourself to exercise in the mornings?

It helps my whole day! First of all it’s done, I’m not great at working out in the evenings, so I would be dreading it all day. And I also am fairly creative whilst I’m training so I often come up with new ideas for things as I train.

Bradley Rose

Bradley Rose teaches cycling classes from Peloton Studios London.He previously  spent the last ten years in the USA, working as an actor, appearing in both films and TV shows. 

What time do you get up? 

After suffering from a stroke at 32 years old, one of the big things I have struggled with is sleep. If I don’t get enough of it, I can have major side effects all day. So I don’t set an alarm clock, and do my best to let my body and brain get as much sleep as it needs. That usually means I wake up naturally around 7:30 to 8:30 am… If I manage to sleep longer, my dogs will literally smother my face with licks until I’m up and ready to walk them. It’s the only alarm clock I’ll allow in my room.

First thing you do when you wake up?

I drink a pint glass of water and kiss my pups.

Morning fuel?

Generally water, black coffee with MCT oil and eggs on toast. Or oatmeal with seeds and peanut butter.

Do you have any morning rituals?

I keep it simple: water, brush teeth, meditate, and then walk my two dogs. I’ve been practicing meditation for close to eight years now. I do 20 minutes, two times a day. It helps me clear the clutter and noise, restore my energy, and sets me up for a clear start to my day.

What’s your morning grooming routine like?

I’m a simple man at heart. I wash my face with Brikell men’s face wash, then use eye cream and moisturiser, again using Brickell. I add a bit of self tanner to the moisturiser because I am as pale as a ghost this time of year. At the moment I love the gradual tanner by James Reed .

And finally, I’m all about my locks. I’ve been using Shu Uemura clay definer for years … I swear by it.

How do you choose what to wear?

Ask my wife Just kidding. (Kinda.)

Fashion has never been a skill of mine so I often run things by my wife. But I also have some personal preferences: I’m a big fan of products that don’t display their brand or logo all over it. That’s why I love brands like LuluLemon, and a new fav has to be Vuori .
This is my go-to “look” if I’m lounging around the house or walking the dogs. It’s gotta be casual and comfortable. If I do have to get dressed to the nines, I’m headed to Reiss and bringing my wife as a consultant.

How long does it take you to get ready?

Three minutes. I don’t have time to faff around!

Are you a morning person?

Not. At. All. Next question?

Do you have a fail safe way to motivate yourself to exercise in the mornings?

Nope! I’m from a different breed of athletes that stop and say: How are you feeling? What’s going on? What do you need? If I am struggling mentally or physically I will give myself that time to breathe and take a rest day, or two or three…

I believe my hustle and grind contributed to my stroke – no matter what the doctors may say. So this is a top lifestyle change of mine. I now sleep in when I need it, invest in REST more than workout gear, and trust my body when it tells me I can’t go to the gym that day.

I also truly see working out as a lifestyle. An extra rest day here and there means nothing because I’ll be going to the gym and taking care of my body for the rest of my life.
No crazy pressure needed.

I would rather my fitness goals take longer and be here forever … rather than get here really quickly, only to burn myself out and fall off the wagon in a few months.

When you change how you look at it, it becomes a habit that makes you feel good. Not a fad that you need to talk yourself into every day.

Hannah Frankson

Prior to Peloton, Hannah was a former competitive triple jumper, who trained alongside Olympic level athletes for seven years. After she finished competing, Hannah discovered indoor cycling, combining her passion for fitness with music and making exercise fun. 

What time do you get up? 

I wake up at 8am most mornings however my two cats tend to wake me up before that!

First thing you do when you wake up?

I go on my phone. I used to beat myself up for it because I know it’s not the most healthy way to start the day, but I give myself five to 10 minutes of browsing. I’d rather allow myself than to start my day feeling guilty for my first action!

Morning fuel?

I always have a cup of tea. That’s non negotiable! Then I usually follow that by drinking a protein shake with banana and peanut butter in it.

Do you have any morning rituals?

Not at all. There are things that I want to do every morning but I sometimes allow grace and for life to happen. Most days, I wake up and write three things I’m grateful for without repeating myself every day. Sometimes this is easy, sometimes it’s harder.

What’s your morning beauty routine like?

I usually have a class in the morning or go to the gym in the morning so I don’t have a long morning beauty routine. Contact lenses, toner for hydration, Nivea to moisturise. I’ll cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate and moisturise again after the gym or my rides.

How do you choose what to wear?

Working in fitness, it feels like I spend most of my day in Lycra but if I’m coming into work I will wear a comfy tracksuit and Uggs in the winter always! I always like to wear colour otherwise no matter what mood I’m in. I feel like it’s an instant mood booster.

Are you a morning person?

I’d prefer to get things done as quickly as possible in the day and feel like less of the world is awake in the morning so I’d definitely say yes.

Do you have a fail safe way to motivate yourself to exercise in the mornings?

Know what exercise you are going to do the next day. If it’s a run, where are you going to go, for how long, at what intensity, if you are going to the gym, what session are you doing? If it’s a group fitness class, which one? Get excited for your exercise. Alternatively, find some accountability. Find a friend to work out with you or even just tell someone you are going to do it.

READ MORE: Caroline Hirons’ morning skincare tips