AMP
Team USP Rep
Alright I’ve been seeing this everywhere lately. Guys throwing on those nasal strips before training like they’re about to run a marathon.
The real question is does it actually matter when you’re lifting? Here’s my take. If you’re someone who struggles with nasal congestion, allergies, or just naturally narrow airways, you’ll probably notice a difference. Especially during high rep sets, leg day, or cardio. Better airflow can make breathing feel smoother and less restricted.
Strength wise, it’s not adding plates to the bar. It’s not increasing oxygen delivery to some crazy degree. Most heavy lifting is limited more by muscular fatigue than oxygen anyway. Your chest press isn’t failing because your nostrils are too small.
Where I do think it can help is perception. If you feel like you’re breathing better, you relax more. If you relax more, you brace better. If you brace better, your performance might slightly improve. Sometimes performance hacks are more mental than physiological, more of a placebo effect but placebo still counts if its working.
I’d compare it to caffeine free pump products. Not necessary, not game changing. But if it helps you feel locked in, there’s no downside. Only thing I’ll say is this, if you need a nose strip just to get through basic lifting, check your overall conditioning. Cardio capacity and breathing mechanics probably deserve more attention than accessories.
Anyone here actually notice a real difference with nose strips during heavy sets or cardio? Or is this just another trend that’ll disappear?
The real question is does it actually matter when you’re lifting? Here’s my take. If you’re someone who struggles with nasal congestion, allergies, or just naturally narrow airways, you’ll probably notice a difference. Especially during high rep sets, leg day, or cardio. Better airflow can make breathing feel smoother and less restricted.
Strength wise, it’s not adding plates to the bar. It’s not increasing oxygen delivery to some crazy degree. Most heavy lifting is limited more by muscular fatigue than oxygen anyway. Your chest press isn’t failing because your nostrils are too small.
Where I do think it can help is perception. If you feel like you’re breathing better, you relax more. If you relax more, you brace better. If you brace better, your performance might slightly improve. Sometimes performance hacks are more mental than physiological, more of a placebo effect but placebo still counts if its working.
I’d compare it to caffeine free pump products. Not necessary, not game changing. But if it helps you feel locked in, there’s no downside. Only thing I’ll say is this, if you need a nose strip just to get through basic lifting, check your overall conditioning. Cardio capacity and breathing mechanics probably deserve more attention than accessories.
Anyone here actually notice a real difference with nose strips during heavy sets or cardio? Or is this just another trend that’ll disappear?
