A form of stress management for anyone feeling discontent and discomfort has seen a post-election boost.

To the surprise of company leaders, Bad Axe Throwing at 3536 N. Academy Blvd., in Colorado Springs has logged a 40% increase in sales locally and 41% system-wide, when comparing the nine days leading up to the election and the nine days following the election, according to Jesse Gutzman, managing director.

The company started in Canada in 2014, began doing business in the United States in 2016, opened sites in Colorado in 2018, and now has 19 locations in the United States and seven in Canada.

“Ax throwing is a reliable outlet as a good de-stressor,” Gutzman said.

The action of aggressively hurling a piece of sharp metal, which after a few practice throws and coaching from staff sticks to the targeted board with a satisfying loud thump, provides a cathartic release of tension and pent-up emotions, he said.

Both reservations and walk-ins have increased dramatically nationwide. The Colorado Springs site has been one of the network’s highest performers regardless, Gutzman said.

“The same thing potentially could be achieved by being in your backyard and chopping wood,” he said. “This is done in a controlled environment in an urban setting where people don’t normally have that outlet otherwise.”