Seeking out activities that excite you can be a great way to enhance retirement. For some older adults, a fun new activity to get involved in might be axe throwing.
Axe throwing is an activity that involves throwing axes at a target. The concept is similar to darts or archery, where individuals compete against themselves or each other to see how many points they can accumulate by hitting various areas on the target.
Axe throwing as a recreational activity and sport dates back to a time when the ability to throw an axe accurately in combat or while hunting would have been an essential skill. During recent years, this recreational activity has become popular in modern settings, with axe-throwing venues opening to provide a location for people to enjoy the sport.
Aside from being a fun activity, axe throwing offers numerous benefits for older adults.
While it's not a high-impact exercise or sport, axe throwing does require some physical movement. Throwing an axe requires enough arm and upper body strength to pick up the axe and launch it toward a target. Repeatedly throwing an axe can help older adults build and maintain strength in their arms, shoulders, upper back and core.
Because you must coordinate your throw with visual information about the target location, axe throwing also lets you practice and improve hand-eye coordination. Gripping the axe for each throw can also help work muscles and tendons in the hand.
Axe throwing isn't an intense mental activity, but it does involve some level of concentration and problem-solving. Paying attention to the target and dialing in your throw to hit the target more accurately can help you flex and maintain brain functions like concentration and focus.
Many people find axe throwing to be cathartic, helping them release big emotions and stress and enjoy more calm. Successfully hitting the target or improving your skills can also provide dopamine to improve your mood and boost confidence. The same is true for creating memorable experiences and simply having fun.
Axe throwing is inherently a social activity that can help older adults in retirement reconnect with old friends or make new ones. Think of axe throwing like bowling, for instance. You might have a standing date with a group of friends to throw axes every Wednesday. Regular meet-ups with others can help reduce isolation and increase community.
Safety is essential to enjoying axe throwing in retirement. Participate in locations with safe facilities and helpful staff, at least at the start of your axe-throwing journey. Start by throwing lighter axes that are easier to handle and won't strain your muscles. Again, the bowling comparison works — choose axes to throw as you'd choose a bowling ball. Pick axes that are comfortable and help you dial in your aim.
Wear closed-toe shoes that support your balance, and consider warming up with a little walk and some stretches before you start throwing. If you throw axes in a local establishment, listen to and follow any safety briefs, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're not sure how to best go about the activity.
You can find a few axe-throwing venues in and around Kansas City, Missouri. One is Blade & Timber, which has a location at 1303 Baltimore Avenue in Kansas City. You need at least two people to book a "lane," and the cost is $35 per person. This location also offers food and drinks for purchase, so you can make an afternoon or evening of it.
Older adults who find they love throwing axes can purchase a membership at Blade & Timber to save money. You can get a monthly membership for $45 or an annual membership for $400. Members get unlimited axe throwing Sunday through Thursday and discounts for Friday and Saturday. You can also bring guests for 50% off Sunday through Thursday and get happy hour pricing on food and drinks at all times.
Go Ape!, an adventure park located at 7331 Oakwood Drive, offers axe throwing in addition to other activities. One hour of axe throwing at this location is $19.95 per person, and you can enjoy this activity with up to eight people at a time. This location doesn't serve food, but you can call ahead to find out if you can bring your own.
If you decide to explore axe throwing as a regular activity or an occasional adventure, consider doing so with friends to make it more fun. It may also be a good idea to check with your health care provider regarding any mobility restrictions you should consider and whether axe throwing is right for you, especially if you're dealing with arm, shoulder or other upper body discomfort.
