Axing and boxing for couples on Philly’s Valentine’s weekend. If you love someone, put on the gloves and toss a hatchet.
With all of the romantic things you can do for your significant other, or have them do to you, for Philly’s Valentine’s Day weekend (chocolate, flowers, baths, dining options) there must be concepts beyond the pale that will titillate just as much, if not more so than, as roses and red wine.
May I suggest two unique and physical activities that couples can take part in? Where two can enjoy as one. Each of which, Maleek Jackson Fitness and Kick Axe, have created special packages for Philly’s Valentine’s weekend.
Nothing says “I glove you,” I mean, uh, “I love you,” quite like a Boxing Class for Couples on North 2nd Street and Axe Throwing for Two in Old City. Check-in with each of these locations to see how each can offer punches and axes, in lieu of something gentler, as the ultimate prelude to a kiss.
Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym at 926 North 2nd Street
“My affiliation with boxing started in my early teens in my neighborhood boxing gym,” said Maleek Jackson about when his fists went up, and he was ready to roar. “My love for it began when I was a little boy shuffling my feet in front of the television like Muhammad Ali. A large chunk of the ten years I spent in prison was dedicated to learning the sport.”
Like all gyms in the area, Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym found themselves having to pivot several times because of Covid’s lockdown and safety spacing rules. “We’ve had to reduce class sizes, take temperatures, provide face masks, clean every few hours, and we’ve even had to train outdoors in colder temperatures.”
What better pivot, then, than a Boxing for Couples Valentine’s gift.
“In a traditional setting, you come to a place like this to release stress or decompress alone, but, today, you can share this experience with your partner,” said Jackson. “You’ll be learning the power of self-defense, while also learning how to connect with your partner physically. Boxing is more than just a sport; it’s also mental. This event is an unconventional way to celebrate a special day with your person. You’re a knockout. And we expect the funniest/most romantic part of the session to be seeing couples laugh at themselves. You can look silly throwing a jab. And support each other through each round.”
Kick Axe Throwing Philly at 232 Market Street
Ginger Flesher-Sonnier, the founder and CEO of Kick Axe Throwing, decided to create a series of well-designed spaces dedicated to flinging hatchets beyond, say, any aspects of axe murder. Or Olympic gamesmanship. Due to the fact that, before her, most like-minded hot spots were seedy.
“I saw that other axe throwing venues were very basic. Or in a warehouse with plywood, for example,” said Flesher-Sonnier. “I felt that I could create a really inviting place themed like a Ski Lodge that would appeal to everyone from your serious thrower to folks looking for a great night out in a beautiful environment with food and drinks.”
So she created rustically elegant and invitingly lounge-y Kick Axe Throwing locations in Brooklyn, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
When Covid hit, her Kick Axe Throwing locations moved quickly into action. “We actually have found it pretty easy to accommodate because we only open every other range,” she said. “Also, our ranges are all private, so you only throw with people in your group. Start times are staggered, every surface and the axes are sanitized in between groups. We have added extra time between sessions to allow for this. Masks must be worn. We have hand sanitizer all throughout the venue. And we have no-contact check-in and waivers.”
Flesher-Sonnier says that axe throwing and her Kick Axe’s Valentine’s promotion is most certainly a couple’s activity because it is both equitable and equally easy for both parties. “Some fun competitive socializing always makes for an axe-citing time,” she added. “Couples will have a private range to themselves and receive a bottle of champagne. And we think they will axe-perience a departure from the typical dinner and drinks. Guests will first be taught the safety rules and be coached on how to throw. After that, they will play some fun competitive games against like Around the World, Twenty-one, and MOOSE. Nothing says love like flying axes!”
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