Smelling Salts for Athletes: When & How to Use Them Safely

Whether you're stepping into the squat rack, about to walk on the field, or skating out onto the ice, mental sharpness matters just as much as physical conditioning. That’s why more and more athletes—from football players and hockey pros to Olympic lifters and CrossFit competitors—are turning to smelling salts as a tool for preparation and intensity.

Used correctly, smelling salts can provide a short, controlled jolt to your system, helping you snap into the moment. But like any tool, timing and technique matter. Here’s what athletes need to know about when and how to use smelling salts safely and effectively.

1. Pre-Competition Preparation

Before a big event or max-effort attempt, athletes often use smelling salts as part of their pre-performance routine. It’s a quick mental wake-up call—one that can sharpen intensity and help shake off jitters or distractions.

The sensation is intense but brief. A small hit before stepping onto the field or under the barbell can serve as a psychological cue: It’s time to go.

This isn’t about performance enhancement in the traditional sense—it’s about mentally locking in. In the high-pressure world of sports, that mindset shift can make all the difference.

2. Mental Reset During Training

Even the most dedicated athletes hit mental walls during training. Reps get monotonous, fatigue sets in, and focus fades. A short inhale of smelling salts can help snap you out of that rut and re-engage with your workout.

It’s not a replacement for sleep, rest, or proper nutrition—but it can serve as a “reset button” during longer or mentally draining sessions.

Just remember: smelling salts are a tool, not a crutch. Use them intentionally, not habitually.

3. Mid-Game or Mid-Event Recalibration

In contact sports like football or hockey, smelling salts are sometimes used during timeouts or between plays to bring players back into the zone. That fast, sharp inhale helps counteract grogginess or distraction and maintain intensity in high-stakes moments.

This kind of usage is all about timing—reserved for key moments when presence and mental clarity are crucial. Think of it like a cold splash of water to the brain: jarring, quick, and effective.

4. Not a Substitute for Conditioning

It’s important to clarify what smelling salts don’t do. They won’t give you energy. They don’t enhance endurance. And they won’t help you push through fatigue safely.

If you’re relying on smelling salts to get through every rep or stay awake during every session, something’s off. They’re meant for occasional, strategic use—not to mask underlying issues like poor recovery, overtraining, or lack of sleep.

 Used responsibly, they’re a helpful tool. Used excessively, they can become a distraction from the fundamentals of good athletic preparation.

How to Use Smelling Salts Safely

• Hold the bottle 2–3 inches from your nose
• Inhale gently—no need for deep sniffs
• Use once or twice per session or when needed
• Always recap tightly to maintain potency
• Never use while driving or during long-duration activity Start with a light sniff to test your tolerance, especially if it’s your first time. Everyone reacts a little differently.

Why Athletes Choose VYV

VYV was designed with competitive athletes in mind. Unlike messy capsules or overly harsh solutions, VYV features:

• A squeezable bottle to dial in the intensity
• An invigorating peppermint blend that softens the sharp ammonia hit
• A durable, resealable design that holds up in gym bags, lockers, and travel
• Hundreds of uses in one small bottle—no mixing or breaking needed

From lifting platforms to locker rooms, VYV delivers reliable performance when it matters most.

Where to Buy Smelling Salts

Looking for where to buy smelling salts for lifting or where can you buy smelling salts near me? Some specialty fitness and supplement stores may carry them, but inventory can be inconsistent. For the freshest and most reliable experience, order directly online from myvyv.com.

Whether you're training for a title or pushing through a tough session, VYV offers the mental edge—delivered straight to your door.