Smelling Salts

What are smelling salts?

Smelling salts are ammonia inhalants. Briefly inhaling the vapour irritates the lining of the nose and lungs, which triggers a sharp reflex inhalation and a jolt of alertness. In a gym they are used immediately before a heavy single attempt, most often in powerlifting and strongman.

What they do is narrow and short lived. The effect is a reflex response lasting seconds, and there is little evidence that smelling salts actually improve strength output. What most users describe is feeling more alert and aggressive going into a lift. They are a psychological tool before a maximal attempt rather than a training supplement.

Why shop smelling salts at Supplement Mart?

• 3 smelling salt products in stock
• 58 stores nationwide, with click and collect available
• Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150, with no surcharges
• East and west coast dispatch on orders placed before 2pm on weekdays
• Supplement Mart Rewards, earning points on every dollar spent
• An in-house nutritionist you can actually ask a question

Using them sensibly

Hold the container several centimetres from the nose rather than directly under it, inhale briefly, and keep the lid closed between uses. Never hold it against a nostril and never inhale repeatedly or deeply. The vapour is a respiratory irritant, and the strength of the reaction is the reason to be careful rather than a reason to use more.