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 physically active for 23 hours per week at work. In addition, tradespeople keep fit outside of work, with an additional average of five hours of physical activity per week at the gym and through sports.

Most tradespeople polled felt optimistic 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 burned using fitness trackers. They use tech to understand what they may need to eat to maintain 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 appropriately fuelled for the demands of their jobs.

When it comes to the most physically demanding jobs, roofers (23 hours), carpenters (22 hours), and plumbers (22 hours) perform the most 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 are health conscious.