Blog>News>Which are the fittest trades in the UK?
Last updated: 2 August 2024
Which are the fittest trades in the UK?
Where does your profession rank? Research by Direct Line insurance has recently highlighted the most physically active tradespeople in the UK, with activity levels almost 10X more than the recommended level of exercise.
Topping the list of most active tradespeople, roofers are in the fittest profession according to recent research. With an average of 23 hours of physical activity per week, people in the roofing profession tend to exceed the recommended minimum amount of exercise (2.5 hours) by almost 10 times.
It isn't really any secret that tradespeople tend to have much more physically demanding jobs than someone working in an office. However_,_ from the tradespeople surveyed, most put that average up even further with around five hours of additional physical activity every week either at the gym or playing sport.
Being a self-employed tradesperson can improve your work-life balance and physical fitness.
But how does your profession fare? Find out how your trade did below:
| 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 |
| Last updated: August 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Source: Direct Line business insurance*
What are the results at a glance?
Looking at the numbers, we can see that the average tradesperson spends around 22 hours on physical activity at work, and roughly 5 hours of exercise in their own time.
That adds up to around 27 hours per week of physical activity time. This absolutely smashes the minimum of 2.5 hours activity that is recommended by the NHS.
Who was surveyed?
The survey covered 500 UK tradespeople at the end of May, and gives a snapshot into the physical health of various industries.
Interestingly, 76% of those who responded claimed to lead healthy lives.* 87% agreed that they are very physically active.*
As part of the report, Direct Line said that just under two thirds (64%) also prioritise their mental health,* with physical and mental wellbeing often going hand-in-hand.
Our guide to tradespeople and mental health
Mental health and tradespeople Did you know? Tradespeople mental health issues can affect even the most experienced plumber, electrician, or any other skilled worker. It is thought that as many as 1 in 3 people in general have experienced (or will experience) mental health issues at some point in
Roofers have the most physically active jobs
Being a roofer is very hands-on, and on average, they spend around 23 hours a week on physical activity.
You may not have ever stopped to consider the physical impact that tasks like climbing ladders, straddling roofs, loading up buckets and fixing slates can have.
And if you have, maybe you're part of the 70% of tradespeople* that actively track their activity levels and calorie levels. Many who took part in the survey said they used fitness trackers to monitor their fitness to make sure they were eating enough.
Are you a roofer and want to get more active? Find more roofing work as a Checkatrade member to make sure your diary stays full!
Kitchen fitters are the most active outside of working hours
Despite averaging over 19 hours of physical activity at work every week, kitchen fitters in the survey responded with over 6 hours of additional activity every week.
Whether that is through running, gym or sports, if you're a kitchen fitter, chances are you like to look after your body.
Are you a kitchen fitter looking to get more active in your work life? Find more leads as a Checkatrade member, and increase your earnings.
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Key takeaways
Roofers are the fittest tradespeople according to recent research
Kitchen fitters are the most physically active outside of work
The average tradesperson completes around 27 hours of physical activity weekly
Activity levels for trades are almost 10x more than the recommended minimum level of exercise
Almost three quarters of tradespeople will track their physical activity
Physical fitness can contribute to good mental wellbeing
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* Data sourced from Direct Line Group "Who is the fittest tradie in the UK?" article, written 18/07/24, accessed here
