When it comes to on-the-job fitness, new research reveals that one job in particular tops the charts as the fittest in the trade, doing more exercise and steps than their peers. The poll of 1,000 tradies looked at a host of factors, including the number of heavy items lifted per day, as well as the number of steps and healthy meals eaten, and how much they exercise outside of work.
Lifestyle points were awarded for the categories and then tallied up – with landscapers coming out on top with 34 points. Those in this trade walk more steps per day than any other (12,274) and spend the most time exercising outside of work (114 minutes per week). Second place went to plumbers, who were also the most likely of all tradies to consider themselves fit.
Completing the podium positions were carpenters which didn’t ‘win’ in any category but averaged 10,995 steps and lifted 16 heavy items per day. On the contrary, painters and decorators were dubbed the least fit, scoring just 13 points.
Citroën, which has a fully electric van range which includes ë-Berlingo, commissioned the research as part of its partnership with England Athletics.
Greg Taylor, MD, Citroën UK, said: “Lifting heavy items and doing continuous steps is part and parcel of life on the tools.
“Ensuring you live a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but it carries greater importance when the demands of your work require so much physical exertion. This is why having a comfortable van to rest in during the working day is important.
“By taking care of what we eat and do around work, you can make sure that you are putting your best foot forward when it comes to work.”
The study found bricklayers lift the most heavy items per day with an average of 26 – but rank as fifth fittest overall after scoring lowest for self-perceived fitness (62%), daily steps (9,700), and exercise outside of work (93 minutes per week).
It emerged 88% consider their line of work to be ‘physically demanding’, and 77% said they like the physicality that comes with the job.
However, it isn’t all positive as 71% have picked up injuries due to the demands of the job, with back, arms, and knees the most commonly affected areas.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, found the average tradesperson covers 140 miles per week driving for work and spends four hours per week sat in their van.
Reliability is the most important thing they look for in their vehicles (61%), along with price (56%) and comfort (51%). To provide purpose to their time in the van, 33% would consider keeping dumbbells in the van to help keep fit, and 28% would turn to resistance bands.
Greg Taylor from Citroën UK added: “Being stuck to the confines of your van can bring various fitness challenges. By having the equipment in your van, it can give you the opportunity to use the wasted time more productively and keep fit.
“With that said, it is important to manage the load, you don’t want to be forcing injuries because you were lifting too much.”
TOP EIGHT FITTEST TRADES:
- Landscaper – 34 points
- Plumber – 32 points
- Carpenter – 25 points
- Plasterer – 20 points
- Bricklayer – 19 points
- General builder – 19 points
- Electrician – 18 points
- Painter & Decorator – 13 points