5 Ways Smelling Salts Can Amp Up Your Workout Performance

Smelling salts, also known as ammonia inhalants, have been used for decades by athletes to help improve their performance during workouts or competitions. They come in a small glass vial containing a mixture of ammonium carbonate and perfume, and when broken open, release a pungent odor that can shock your senses and clear your mind. While the use of smelling salts is controversial, here are five reasons why they might help improve your workout.

1. Increases alertness and focus The strong odor of smelling salts can quickly awaken your senses, making you more alert and focused. This can be especially beneficial during intense workouts when you may start to feel fatigued or lose concentration. By taking a sniff of smelling salts, you can quickly regain your focus and push through your workout with more intensity.

2. Enhances breathing The ammonia in smelling salts can also help open up your airways and improve your breathing. This can be particularly helpful during high-intensity workouts when you need to take in more oxygen to fuel your muscles. Improved breathing can also help reduce the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, which can cause fatigue and soreness.

3. Boosts energy and adrenaline Smelling salts can also stimulate the release of adrenaline, a hormone that can increase energy levels and boost performance. This can be particularly helpful during workouts that require short bursts of high-intensity effort, such as sprinting or weightlifting. The extra burst of energy can help you lift heavier weights or perform more reps.

4. Reduces perceived effort When you push your body to its limits during a workout, it can be easy to become mentally fatigued and feel like you can't keep going. The strong odor of smelling salts can help reduce your perception of effort, making it easier to push through the pain and keep going. This can be especially helpful during endurance exercises, such as running or cycling.

5. Provides a psychological boost Finally, the use of smelling salts can provide a psychological boost, helping to increase confidence and reduce anxiety. This can be especially helpful for athletes who may experience performance anxiety or nerves before a competition. By using smelling salts, they can feel more confident and prepared to perform at their best.

It's important to note that while smelling salts can provide benefits during workouts, they also come with some risks. They can be harmful if used excessively or improperly, and can cause respiratory problems or chemical burns if mishandled. As such, it's important to use them responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, smelling salts can offer several benefits that can improve your workout performance. By increasing alertness and focus, enhancing breathing, boosting energy and adrenaline, reducing perceived effort, and providing a psychological boost, they can help you push through your workouts with more intensity and achieve your fitness goals. However, it's important to use them responsibly and with caution, as they can also pose risks if used improperly.