Many of our favorite morning show hosts have already had a busy day by the time we tune in. For instance, during a 2019 interview with The Cut, Hoda Kotb shared that her day begins at 3 a.m. with her second alarm ringing just 15 minutes later. Rather than opting for a quick coffee, she refreshes herself with a shower to start her day. To set a calming tone, she plays music, lights a candle, and drinks a bottle of water.
No matter how hectic her schedule becomes, Kotb dedicates time to write in her journal. “In the journal, I’ll write the three things I’m grateful for just right there in that moment. […] And then one amazing thing that happened the day before. It’s almost like a level set.” In a more recent interview with Parade, she noted that even after leaving the “Today” show, she still wakes up around 4:30 a.m., cherishing the peace of early mornings. Now that she has more time, she devotes 20 minutes to meditation and deeper journaling, helping her to connect with herself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Strength training is also an important part of her morning routine.
Gayle King’s morning routine is energizing and grounding at the same time
Gayle King shared her morning habits with The Cut in 2018. Her first alarm goes off at 3:22 a.m., followed by a backup alarm at 3:25 a.m. Often, she hits the snooze button three times, as she admits to needing a little time to wake up fully. However, she proudly mentioned to The Cut that she has never missed her alarms.
In a 2016 interview with Bon Appétit, she revealed that she prefers to start her day without coffee or food, as she believes anything other than water feels unappealing at such an early hour. However, she finds joy in taking a bubble bath at 3:45 a.m. During a 2024 chat with USA Today, King elaborated that she often fits in a workout at 4 a.m., combining cardio and strength-training exercises to maintain her fitness.
Her commitment to fitness is so strong that she ensures every hotel she stays at has a 24-hour fitness center. Given her approach to strength training, King understands the benefits it brings to overall health.
Al Roker’s mornings are powered by kombuchas and workouts
Al Roker, during a 2013 interview with Bon Appétit, noted that he starts his day at 3:15 a.m. After spending 15 minutes on personal grooming, the “Today” show weather anchor gets to work, which includes packing his son’s lunch and preparing his breakfast smoothie.
Roker has replaced coffee and tea with kombucha, sharing in a 2014 article on Today.com, “It’s anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and good for digestion. And I feel great! I feel fantastic.” His enthusiasm reflects the popularity of kombucha as a healthful morning beverage.
Continuing his morning routine, he typically hits the gym around 4:30 a.m., opting for a combination of cardio and strength training. Roker appreciates completing his workouts early as it prevents the stress of having to fit it in later. He also shared in a 2014 interview that listening to “The A-Team” theme song energizes him on his ride to work, saying, “It gets you jazzed — you recite the opening lines, you go on your way, and boom!”
Key Takeaways
- Many morning show hosts rise before dawn, often around 3 a.m.
- Their routines often include elements like journaling, meditation, and light exercise.
- Hoda Kotb emphasizes gratitude journaling as a way to start her day positively.
- Gayle King prefers to begin without food or coffee, enjoying bubble baths instead.
- Al Roker has replaced traditional morning beverages with kombucha for its health benefits.
- Each host incorporates some form of physical activity, balancing cardio and strength training.
- Music often plays a role in energizing their mornings.
FAQ
What time do morning show hosts typically wake up?
Most morning show hosts wake up between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., often to prepare for their early broadcasts.
Do these hosts drink coffee in the mornings?
Some hosts like Al Roker have replaced coffee with alternatives like kombucha, while others have various preferences.
What activities are common in their morning routines?
Common activities include journaling, exercising, and personal grooming to prepare for the day ahead.
Do morning routines vary among hosts?
Yes, while they share some similarities, each host has unique preferences that shape their routines.
Why do they prioritize physical fitness in the morning?
Exercising early helps them manage stress and sets a positive tone for the rest of their day.
