Photo: Lawrence Cunningham
Writer: Stacey Zelenovich Thompson
In a world that demands more from us each day, it’s important to find ways to blow off steam. It helps us maintain a healthy balance amid the everyday chaos of life.
Personally, I often turn to physical activity to relieve stress and calm my mind. I enjoy the boosts of endorphins that come from yoga, running or even a long walk. But I’m always up for a new challenge, like the following three unconventional activities.
Smash Room Iowa
Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road
Sometimes, the best way to blow off steam and release anger is to destroy something. Smash Room Iowa lets you do just that, in a safe and controlled environment.
The experience
After a brief safety lesson, I suited up in protective gear, including goggles, and was ushered back to a “smash room.” The room was divided into two sections separated by cinder blocks. One side was filled with glass bottles, and the other with random old electronics. The room was stocked with various bats, crowbars and sledgehammers. I chose the baseball bat.
They cranked the music, and for the next 30 minutes I demolished everything in sight, including old “BOB” (a body opponent bag that looked like a mannequin). Once I got started, I was all in, working up a sweat and pushing my heart rate to 157 beats per minute, according to my watch.
It was a great workout and deeply cathartic. The combination of raw, uninhibited physical effort and the symbolic act of breaking things delivered a visceral and incredibly satisfying release.
Stress relief: 12/10
Smashing stuff may just be the ultimate way to relieve stress.
Rage Yoga
Tactical Fitness, 3963 100th St. in Urbandale
I’ve spent many hours on a yoga mat, so the idea of “Rage” Yoga piqued my curiosity. It originated in Canada and was introduced to Iowa by a military veteran who enrolled in an online training program (and has the “Certified Badass” diploma to prove it). Rage Yoga is recognized for its unconventional style and approachability, especially for people who are intimidated by traditional yoga classes. It offers an easy, unusual way to step onto the mat.
The experience
I brought along four friends to join me in a private session. A few of us are regular yogis, and the others have dabbled, so we were all open to the new experience.
As we moved through traditional yoga poses like warrior, pigeon and downward dog, the usually serene, meditative yoga vibe was replaced with colorful LED lights and upbeat music from Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, AC/DC and Michael Jackson. A poster on the wall urged us to “Let that sh*t go.”
Our instructor’s playful commentary set the tone as she invited us to release pent-up stress and frustration without holding back. Grunting, shouting, making gestures and even swearing weren’t just allowed; they were encouraged. The room quickly filled with energy and laughter, and it created a fun space to let loose and decompress.
Stress relief: 6/10
For anyone seeking a less traditional, slightly rebellious yoga experience.
Ironside Axe Club
2700 University Ave. in West Des Moines
In Viking culture, the axe was a symbol of strength and bravery as well as an actual weapon used in hunting and warfare. The idea of hurling an axe at a wooden target seemed not only empowering but also cathartic, a great way to vent frustration.
The experience
The Ironside experience has a Viking flair, including photo ops with helmets and furs in a replica wooden ship. There are multiple throwing lanes, each with two wooden targets that can accommodate smaller or larger groups with all levels of experience. Before we started, the friendly and knowledgeable staff went through a checklist of helpful tips and safety guidelines, which made me feel at ease with my 12- and 14-year-old kids.
The sheer weight of the axe immediately made me feel powerful, and I quickly realized that staying grounded with strong footing was key to throwing it with authority. As I pulled the axe over my head and prepared to hurl it end over end toward the bull’s-eye, a rush of adrenaline kicked in, making the act feel both purposeful and thrilling.
Each time the axe struck the target, I felt a sense of accomplishment and release. Throwing successfully demanded balance, strength and sharp mental focus. More importantly, I had to know exactly when to let go — perhaps figuratively as much as literally.
Stress relief: 8/10
Channeling all my energy and frustration into each throw was deeply satisfying.
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