Cathartic chaos: Saskatoon business offers rage room experience

If you’re still angry with your ex, need an adrenaline rush or are just looking to blow off some steam, a Saskatoon business is offering a cathartic yet chaotic experience.

YXE Smash Therapy Inc. is a rage room experience where individuals or groups can break end-of-life items with baseball bats, crowbars or just their bare hands.

Magen Mercer, the owner of YXE Smash Therapy Inc., said people come in for a variety of reasons, such as stress relief, celebrations or grief sessions.

“Smash Therapy is the place to go when you want to let loose and break some stuff,” she said, adding the service is not just for people who are stressed or angry.

“I  always say you can come in happy and leave happier.”

The service is not meant to replace talk therapy or other traditional methods, she explained, but noted some individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder coming out of domestic violence or traumatic situations have described the service to her as a “catalyst for change.”

“It’s kind of that initial purge of those emotions (that) enables them to start the healing journey,” she said.

Mercer said she originally was interested in the concept for herself, and decided to bring it to Saskatoon after seeing the business in other cities. Regina had a rage room.

“I just knew it could sell, and I wasn’t the only one that could use the service,” she said. “I’m so glad I was right; we have been very well-supported by the community.”

Items such as windshields, TVs and computer equipment are all sourced from auto glass shops, the Electronic Recycling Association, and thrift shops.

YXE Smash Therapy Inc. provides a rage room experience in Saskatoon. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Once some items are destroyed, they are then returned to the recycling association.

Mercer said it’s hard to compete with lake season in the summer, so the organization is able to stock up items during the slower months. In the winter, the organization sees up to 150 bookings a month.

The organization also accepts donations such as dishware, small kitchen appliances and musical instruments, she said, noting that not everything can be brought to the smash room. She won’t accept microwaves or tube TVs for safety reasons.

Mercer said since its opening in 2020, the business has grown to multiple staff members, and now she is looking to expand to create a car smash division in the summer.