If you saw that, chances are you’ve witnessed the miracle that is smelling salts. The powdered ammonia They are one of the most necessary smelling salts for a weightlifter because they can help them increase their strength performance when it matters most. Ammonia inhalation, via a single-use ammonia capsule or smelling salts, is done just before heavy lifting to trigger the adrenaline releasewhich for many lifters improves alertness, concentration, performance and reduces dizziness or the sensation of pain.
The science on the effectiveness of sniffing ammonia in determining strength performance is very weak and requires further research. So maybe it’s just a placebo effect.
improve concentration
If we ask anyone who has used ammonia, they will say that remove all distractions and thoughts prior to an uprising. This is why lifters typically don’t inhale ammonia for every set or every session, but save it for heavy 1-rep max or competition attempts.
Can also be used as preventive measure for dfainting and dizziness. When a lifter attempts a third attempt at a very heavy deadlift, his eyes usually roll back and he may lose consciousness. Some lifters experience dizziness or even pass out during or after completing the lift. So, if we want to make sure nothing happens, we can find salts that act as a preventative measure so we don’t feel uncomfortable after a max effort lift.
The effects of inhaling ammonia include the pain relief, which means that the body will feel ready to exert itself at 100% regardless of the pain. As ammonia releases adrenaline through our body, it creates a feeling of discomfort and pain that you might otherwise feel.
not suitable for everyone
An international survey among powerlifters that ammonia it is used more in the deadlift, and specifically on the second or third attempt. That is, its use among powerlifters is generally reserved for when the stakes are high.
Does this mean that we should inhale ammonia when we lift weights? That is not for anyone else to decide but yourself. Just like some lifters prefer brass music and back pats while others prefer a calm environment and soft music. Your gym buddy may love the effects of ammonia, while you revulse it.
How you react after a mouthful of ammonia can only be answered by being open to try it for yourself. We will make sure that the first time we try it is not in a competition setting in case it reacts negatively and acute side effects prevent us from executing the lift well.