Partly because darts was originally a true pub sport, it is regularly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. According to recent research however, playing darts may be healthier than you think.
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Playing darts benefits your health because, according to experts, throwing darts can make you more intelligent and stronger. Experts say the game improves your mental strength, discipline and mathematics capabilities, as well as hand-eye coordination but also building muscles in your upper body.
Psychologist Barbara Santini revealed as much to the Daily Star: "The game necessitates quick mental arithmetic, which can significantly improve your numerical agility. It also encourages strategic thinking, considering the best combinations. This strategic aspect exercises higher-order thinking skills such as planning, foresight and problem-solving.”
But health experts say, despite the beer belly stereotype, it's also good for your health, with players burning up to 300 calories an hour playing. "Darts increases cardiovascular endurance and can burn up to 300 calories per hour. It also increases flexibility and the range of motion in the arms and shoulders," explains Dr Krish Tangella.
Psychologist Sarah Thompson adds, "Playing darts requires concentration and precision. It challenges your visual perception and motor control, making it an excellent activity for improving coordination.”
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.