Best Smelling Salts for Powerlifting: Top Picks to Maximize Your Lifts

1. Best Smelling Salts for Powerlifting: Top Picks to Maximize Your Lifts In the realm of powerlifting, where every single rep and every single pound counts, the lifter is challenged to find every last advantage possible to break barriers. Whether the lifter is going for a new personal record (PR) or just trying to keep their mind focused before a heavy lift, smelling salts have proven to be an irreplaceable tool in the strength community. For elite athletes and veteran lifters alike, the best-smelling salts for powerlifting provide both mental and physical rapid stimulus—when it is needed the most. At VYV, we recognize the grind and rigor associated with powerlifting. This is why we put together a full list of the best-smelling salts available on the market, ranging from "easy to use" beginner-friendly to "the most intense" salts available. This list covers all varieties to help you find the one that fits your needs best. What Are Smelling Salts and How Do They Work? Smelling salts are compounds that are either ammonium carbonate or other compounds similar enough to create ammonia gas when activated. Once the salts are activated, the ammonia gas will evaporate. When you inhale it, it will irritate the nasal passages and respiratory system, leading to an immediate increase in awareness and clarity of thought. This increase in awareness and adrenaline which happens within moments is why most powerlifters use smelling salts right before squatting, benching, or deadlifting heavy weights. When used appropriately, smelling salts do not pose a danger, despite the urban legends you may have read about. Although they don't "make you

2. stronger," they create a temporary increase in awareness, breathing rate, and readiness, which is important when you're trying to lift a new max. Top 5 Best Smelling Salts for Powerlifting 1. Nose Tork Intensity Level: High Longevity: Long-lasting bottle Ideal For: Experienced lifters A frequent item in powerlifting gyms everywhere, the Nose Tork is widely known for its intense formula and the ability to be reused. Twist off the cap, take a sniff, and you're ready to go! Its intensity makes it more suitable for experienced lifters who are familiar with the sensation of an ammonia rush. 2. Ward Smelling Salts – Asylum Refill Intensity Level: Extreme Longevity: Refillable Ideal For: Hardcore competitors Ward's Asylum series is not for the timid. These are incredibly strong and often used by competitive lifters right before each lift on meet day. The refillable bottle is also practical for long-term use. 3. Dynarex Ammonia Inhalants Intensity Level: Moderate Longevity: Single-use Ideal For: Beginners or travel These single-use capsules are great for beginners or lifters on the go. Just crush and sniff. They provide a sharp hit of ammonia without overwhelming the senses, making them ideal for those new to smelling salts. 4. Atomic Rhino Smelling Salts Intensity Level: High Longevity: Long-lasting Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced lifters Atomic Rhino is a popular brand among powerlifters for its consistent performance and strong, but not overpowering, ammonia release. It’s a good middle ground for lifters looking to up their focus without going overboard. 5. VYV Power Surge Smelling Salts (Coming Soon) Intensity Level: Customizable Longevity: Extended formula Ideal For: All experience levels At VYV, we are excited to be developing our line of smelling salts - VYV Power Surge - and our goal is to deliver a product that allows for flexibility to athletes and their needs. Therefore, with customizable potency and lasting freshness,

3. Power Surge will change the game for any serious lifter's gym bag. Look for our official release soon! Why Powerlifters Use Smelling Salts The benefits of smelling salts in powerlifting are both physical and psychological. Here’s why they’ve become a common pre-lift ritual:  Heightened Alertness: The ammonia scent triggers the body’s fight-or- flight response, increasing adrenaline and wakefulness.  Improved Focus: A sharp inhale clears the mind, allowing lifters to concentrate fully on form and execution.  Nervous System Activation: Prepares your central nervous system for the demands of a max-effort lift.  Mental Cue: Using salts becomes part of a routine that signals “go time,” helping you mentally lock in. For powerlifters, especially those competing or attempting PRs, every bit of mental sharpness helps—and that’s exactly where smelling salts shine. How to Use Smelling Salts Safely While effective, smelling salts should always be used responsibly:  Keep Distance: Hold the bottle or capsule a few inches from your nose. Never make direct contact.  Use Sparingly: These are not for every set—reserve them for max efforts or heavy lifts.  Store Properly: Keep the lid tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry place to prolong effectiveness.  Know Your Limits: If you're new to them, start with milder versions and work your way up. At VYV, we always promote smart, safe usage of all performance tools, including smelling salts. Final Thoughts: Should You Use Smelling Salts? Smelling salts may not be for you, but for powerlifters looking for that edge on intensity, focus, and performance, they can be incredible. Specifically, if you are new to lifting and would like to try smelling salts for that extra lift, or are an experienced competitor and looking for enhancements to help break through mental barriers as you prepare for your upcoming meet, having the right smelling salts can help you hit new weights and achieve new feats. There are many different products on the market, and it's worth considering which choice is right for you and your experience level. There are reliable options from brands such as Nose Tork and Ward for tests of true intensity. And there are also more beginner-friendly products such as Dynarex for your first

4. taste of smelling salts and how they can help you in competition. Lastly, with VYV launching its first product, Power Surge, shortly, lifters will have even more reason to lift harder and heavier. Stay strong. Stay focused. And at the same time, when it's time to lift, VYV is there for you.