In the realm of trade professions, one job stands out for its remarkable fitness levels. Recent research has identified a particular trade that surpasses others in exercise and daily steps. This study, surveying 1,000 tradespeople, examined various factors such as the number of heavy items lifted daily, daily steps, healthy meals consumed, and exercise routines outside of work.

The research assigned lifestyle points to these categories, ultimately crowning landscapers as the fittest, with a score of 34 points. Landscapers not only lead in daily steps, averaging 12,274, but also dedicate the most time to exercising outside of work, clocking in at 114 minutes per week. Close behind, plumbers secured second place and are noted for their self-assessment as the fittest among tradespeople.

Carpenters rounded out the top three, despite not leading in any specific category. They averaged 10,995 steps and lifted 16 heavy items each day. In contrast, painters and decorators were deemed the least fit, accumulating a mere 13 points.

This research was commissioned by Citroën, known for its fully electric van range, including the ë-Berlingo, as part of its collaboration with England Athletics.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, emphasized, “Lifting heavy items and taking continuous steps are integral to life on the tools. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone, but it becomes even more critical when your job demands significant physical effort. This is why having a comfortable van for rest during the workday is vital.”

“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