A recent study has identified the most physically fit profession within the industry. The research involved surveying 1,000 tradespeople and evaluating various factors like daily heavy lifting, step counts, healthy eating habits, and exercise routines outside of work. Points were assigned based on these criteria to determine the fittest trade.
Although plumbers secured the second position and were the most likely to perceive themselves as physically fit, there was a clear standout winner. This particular trade not only recorded the highest daily step count but also dedicated the most time to exercising outside of working hours, establishing them as the undisputed fittest professionals in their field.
The study crowned landscapers as the ultimate champions with a total of 34 points. Professionals in this sector clock an impressive 12,274 daily steps and devote 114 minutes per week to exercising outside of their work duties.
Carpenters rounded up the top three, maintaining an average of 10,995 steps daily and handling around 16 heavy objects each day. On the other hand, painters and decorators were labeled as the least physically active, scoring just 13 points overall.
The investigation, commissioned by Citroën, a brand known for its electric van lineup including the ë-Berlingo, was conducted in collaboration with England Athletics. Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, emphasized the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, especially when work demands significant physical exertion. Taylor highlighted the significance of having a comfortable van for rest during the workday to support overall well-being.
The research unveiled that bricklayers top the chart for daily heavy object lifting with an average of 26, yet they rank fifth in overall fitness due to lower scores in self-perceived fitness, daily step count, and exercise outside of work hours.
The study also highlighted that 88% of tradespeople view their profession as physically demanding, with 77% expressing enjoyment in the physical aspects of their work. However, 71% reported sustaining injuries due to workplace demands, with back, arm, and knee injuries being the most common.
According to the data gathered from OnePoll.com, the average tradesperson covers 140 miles weekly for work-related driving and spends approximately four hours per week seated in their van. When it comes to vehicle preferences, reliability is deemed the most crucial factor, followed by price and comfort.
To optimize van time, a significant portion of tradespeople (33%) would consider storing dumbbells in their vehicles for fitness maintenance, while 28% would opt for resistance bands. Taylor reiterated the importance of utilizing van time effectively for fitness activities and cautioned against overexertion to prevent injuries.
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