Smelling Salts in the Gym_ The Power Behind the Inhale

1. Smelling Salts in the Gym: The Power Behind the Inhale Smelling salts have been a stimulant that has been used for a long time, typically to reawaken someone who has fainted, but have recently been given attention in the context of strength training and powerlifting, and other gym settings to give a quick shot of alertness, energy, and focus. However, like any performance products, they have pros and cons, and some safety considerations. Let’s investigate those, and see howVYV Brand is entering into the smelly stimulant space. What Are Smelling Salts & How Do They Work P r e s s e n t e r

2. Smelling salts are basically ammonia-based compounds (often ammonium carbonate) that, when exposed to air (and inhaled), release ammonia gas. ●The ammonia is irritating to the lining of your nasal passages and your lungs. That irritation sets off the reflex: breathing is made faster or more forceful, heart rate increases briefly, so you get increased oxygen to the brain. That is what causes that quick shock, alert feeling. ●Historically, they were used medically (to revive unconscious persons). More recently, they’ve come into gyms and athletic circles as a mental or physiological “reset” before heavy lifts or high-intensity work. ● Why Some Lifters & Athletes Use Them Here are the perceived benefits of using smelling salts in workout settings 1.Immediate Alertness/Mental The shortness of breath from the ammonia will compel you to be mentally alert. If you are dragging/feeling slow, a quick inhale will sharpen your senses, eliminate hesitance, increase your focus for your next set or lift. 2.Motivation Boost / Overcoming Sometimes it’s not the muscles but the mind. Smelling salts can help push through psychological blocks (“I don’t think I can lift that”) especially for 1-rep max attempts or near maximal lifts. 3.Pre-Workout Kick For some, the trade-off of adrenaline + irritation vs caffeine jitters or crash is attractive. It offers a “quick spike” without waiting for a pre- workout drink to digest. 4.Improved Reaction Particularly for sports with bursts, or gym work where speed, explosiveness, or rapid transitions matter, the increased neural activation (attention, breathing) might help. Risks, Side Effects & What’s Not Proven While smelling salts have these claimed benefits, they also come with caveats. Some are well-documented, some are more anecdotal. Know these before you decide to make them part of your routine. Clarity Mental Barriers Without Caffeine / Readiness

3. ●Irritation & Respiratory Issues: Because ammonia is harsh, using smelling salts too frequently or too close to the nose can irritate nasal passages, throat, possibly worsen asthma or other respiratory conditions. ●Possible Chemical Burns / Skin or Eye Contact: If misused (e.g. very close proximity, contact with skin or eyes), there could be burns or heavy irritation. ●Lack of Strong Scientific Evidence for Performance Gains: There are many testimonials and anecdotal reports, but rigorous, well- controlled studies are limited. It’s not proven that smelling salts improve strength, muscle growth, or endurance in measurable, long- term ways for everyone. ●Masking Injuries or Fatigue: Because smelling salts can give you a surge of adrenaline or alertness, you might ignore signs your body is giving (pain, dizziness, fatigue). That might lead to overtraining, injury, or aggravation of a condition. ●Psychological Dependence: Even if not physical, some people come to rely on smelling salts to “get in the mood” for every heavy lift or workout. That can reduce confidence or ability to perform without them. ● How to Use Smelling Salts Safely (If You Decide To) If you choose to try smelling salts, here are guidelines to reduce risk: ●Hold the bottle or inhalant some distance away from your nostrils (often 2-3 inches or more; not pressed up tight). ●Use only when you need it: for heavy lifts, max attempts, or as a mental reset — not for every warm-up set. ●Limit frequency. Don’t make it a habit every session. Use sparingly so as to avoid irritation or dependency. ●Ensure ventilated space: clean air, no combining with strong smells or irritants.

4. ●Avoid using if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition (asthma, chronic bronchitis etc.), or recent injury to nose, lungs, neck, head. ●After using, allow time to calm down, control breathing, let heart rate settle. Final Thoughts: Smelling salts should be viewed as a sort of “shock browser refresh” for your body — fast, intense, and just what you need in the gym — specifically at times when you need some acute focus or energy. But just like magic, these vapors are not a substitute for the right training, training preparation, adequate recovery time, or good programming. Use them wisely and sparingly. In terms of those interested in VYV, the brand appears to remedy a number of the issues or drawbacks of traditional smelling salts, including harshness, mess, single-use waste, and lack of control. Within the smelling salts in gyms, VYV was the best in terms of cleanliness and easy to use ergonomics. As with anything, be cautious and pay close to how your own body reacts when you try them if you do.