ROOFERS are the nation’s fittest tradespeople as they average 23 hours a week of physical activity -almost 10 times the NHS’ minimum recommendation of 2.5 hours exercise.

A hands-on, on-the-tools roofer’s job is far more physically demanding than the average desk job according to new research from Direct Line business insurance.

These skilled professionals are keeping physically active for 23 hours per week at work. In addition, tradespeople are keeping fit outside of work, with an additional average of five hours of physical activity per week at the gym and through sport.

The majority of tradespeople polled felt positive about their health, with 76% saying they lead healthy lives and 87% agreeing that they are very physically active. Moreover, almost two-thirds (64%) say their active lives benefit their mental health.

Almost three quarters (71%) of tradespeople say they actively track their physical activity and calories burnt using fitness trackers. They use tech to understand what they may need to eat to keep up their energy levels.

Because of the physical exertion involved in the job, more than a quarter (29%) of tradespeople say they regularly eat more than the average recommended daily calorie allowance, to ensure they are properly fuelled for the demands of their jobs.

Roofers are Fittest

When it comes to the most physically demanding jobs, Roofers (23 hours), Carpenters (22 hours) and Plumbers (22 hours) clock up the most hours of work-related physical activity per week.

Kitchen fitters (6.33 hours), Tilers (5.89 hours) and Plasterers (5.86 hours) averaged the most additional hours of physical activity per week.

Despite their already active schedules, all tradespeople completed more than four hours of additional physical activity per week, highlighting that many tradespeople are health conscious.

Hours of physical activity and additional activity per week by trade:

Trade Profession 
Hours of work-related physical activity per week 
Hours of additional physical activity per week

Roofer 
23.03
5.26

Carpenter
21.84
5.35

Plumber
21.84
4.79

Electrician
21.47
5.33

Builder 
20.72
5.46

Painter/decorator
20.56
5.34

Plasterer             
20.28
5.86

Insulation installer 
20.11
4.97

Handyman/woman
20.10
5.21

Tiler      
19.58
5.89

Kitchen fitter
19.32
6.33

Landscaping/tree surgeon
18.93
4.84

Carpet installer/ flooring
17.76
5.43

Reupholster/furniture
16.40
5.35

Source: Direct Line business insurance

Alison Traboulsi, SME Product Manager at Direct Line Business insurance commented: “Tradespeople do not need to seek inspiration from footballers in Germany or athletes in Paris to get active. They are setting a great example for us all by being active outside of work despite the physically demanding nature of their jobs. It is also encouraging to see that two thirds (64%) of tradespeople prioritise their mental health as the two go hand in hand.”

>>Read more about roofers’s work in the news

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