8 Jobs That Give You a Workout
Some jobs are much more physical than others, making every day seem more like a workout than a workday. However, some people prefer work like this, and even claim that it helps the day pass even quicker. While the constant movement may take some getting used to, if you’re looking for jobs that give you a workout, then you’re in luck. Here are eight different jobs that are guaranteed to keep you on your feet.
1. Arborist
Arborists are in high demand and their profession is one of the top jobs that give you a workout. It’s never a dull day when you’re in the line of work, and staying active is a must.
An arborist is a trained professional that specializes in the science behind planting, caring for, and maintaining trees, shrubs, and other types of plant life. Sometimes they are called tree surgeons for their ability to diagnose problems and provide treatments for sick trees and shrubs. This also means that they spend a lot of time outdoors on their feet, going to different locations as needed.
Arborists are also responsible for tree trimming. If you have a dead tree on your property that needs tree removal services, an arborist is who you would call.
In order to be able to do this job effectively, you need to be comfortable spending a lot of time outdoors, and you also shouldn’t be afraid of heights, as you’ll sometimes have to go up high to trim or remove trees safely. You’ll also have to commit to learning all of the science behind keeping trees and shrubs healthy, as well as all of the safety techniques that go into this profession.
If you choose to become an arborist, you can expect to tackle many different tasks on a given day. These tasks can include:
- Planting Trees
- Pruning Trees
- Maintaining and Caring for Trees
- Removing Trees
Needless to say, you’re not going to need a gym membership if you choose this career path.
2. Auto Mechanic
An auto mechanic is responsible for auto repairs and diagnostics, and, because of demand, most spend all day on their feet. If you’re looking for jobs that give you a workout, this is one to definitely consider.
The average day of an auto mechanic can vary depending on the types of customers that are coming in. Sometimes you’ll be looking at a simple oil change, and on others, you’ll need to figure out why every light is on and the car is making that screeching sound. This variety is something that makes this career appealing to many people, and it also means that you’ll need to be prepared for almost anything.
Although some mechanics may choose to focus on a specific specialty, for instance, brakes or transmissions, others choose to cover the most generally sought-after services with no specific specialization. This usually consists of tire repairs, brake replacements, oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections. Many mechanics work for privately owned businesses, although some choose to start their own businesses as well.
It is worth mentioning that while this job is quite a workout, it can also be relatively dangerous. The risk of cuts, bruins, and injury from heavy lifting can be high, and they are something to keep in mind when tackling such a physical job.
However, if you want work that will keep you on your toes, choosing this career path is something to consider.
3. Wildlife Control Specialist
Being responsible for wildlife removal is guaranteed to keep you on your feet, and for this reason, it ranks at number three for the best jobs that give you a workout. Different than animal control, a wildlife remover isn’t government-funded, and they typically focus on non-domestic animals such as raccoons, snakes, bats, and anything else that’s become a nuisance to humans.
A wildlife control specialist has a lot of responsibilities, some of which include:
- Inspecting Homes
- Trapping Animals
- Cleaning Up Animal Waste
- Removing Dead Animals
- Relocating Trapped Animals
This means that you can expect to go to many residential homes and businesses if they suspect that an animal — or animals — has gotten into their building. If animals are present, as a wildlife removal specialist, you’ll need to recognize the signs and set traps for them so that they can be caught and relocated.
If they’ve left behind waste, especially if they are animals known for spreading diseases, you’ll also need to know how to clean it up so that the risks are removed. Some jobs may also require you to remove wild animals that have died on the premises.
All of this adds up to a lot of physical movement, and not a lot of time spent sitting down. Really, the most you’ll get to sit down is during the drive to and from locations. This constant movement and diversity of work make this line of work great for some people, especially those who enjoy working with animals.
4. Roofing Contractor
Roofing isn’t the best job for those with a fear of heights, but if you can overcome that, it’s definitely something to consider if you’re looking for jobs that give you a workout.
When working as a roofer, there isn’t going to be a lot of time for sitting around, especially when you’re on the site of a job. Roofers are for working on new installations as well as repairing, renovating, and replacing the roofs of existing homes and buildings. Residential roofing services also often offer inspections to homeowners, which will require you to scour the roof for any signs of damage or weakness.
In this line of work, you can expect to learn how to install roofing, replace old materials, and understand the differences between the different types of roofing materials, as well as how to install them all correctly.
Some jobs can be long projects that take time to complete, meaning that you’ll be getting plenty of exercise throughout your workweek. When repairing or replacing an old roof, you’ll need to remove all of the old roofing materials before laying down a fresh tar layer and then the new materials with nails or staples. This is incredibly labor-intensive, and during the hot summer months, it can even be very uncomfortable.
However, despite the hard work, many people thrive in this career and some even go on to start their own roofing businesses after building up experience working for another company. Because of this, roofing can not only provide a great workout, but it can allow you to build your own successful business that can enable you to hire your own professional team.
5. Paving Contractor
Paving contractors can cover a lot of responsibilities, all of which require you to spend a lot of time on your feet. Some paving contractors work on roadways, sidewalks, and large commercial concrete floors. However, projects can be larger, such as work on an airport runway. It all depends on if you choose to specialize in commercial or residential work.
A residential paving contractor can specialize in driveway paving, walkway paving, patio paving, and other similar jobs. They can also be hired to repair structures like this that have been degraded by weather or time.
Regardless of whether you choose to focus on commercial or residential, you can expect to be working on your feet constantly without much time for sitting down. Every day is leg day when you work as a paver.
Similarly, most of these jobs take place outside, which means the summertime can be uncomfortable depending on the heat and humidity. It is also a dirty job that can expose you to hot asphalt and potentially toxic fumes. Although this may turn some people off, if you want an active job that keeps you moving, this is something to definitely consider.
6. General Contractor
General contractors can be a homeowner’s best friend, and there is no shortage of work for those in this career. Simply put, a general contractor is tasked with overseeing all of the aspects of a building or home remodeling project. This can include making sure that all of the necessary permits are acquired, everything is scheduled properly, and that all of the subcontractors are doing their work properly.
The two types of general contractors include traditional and design-build contractors. A design-build contractor is someone that conceptualizes and designs a project before overseeing its completion. A traditional contractor usually oversees designs created by someone else that they have bid on.
This career involves a lot of running around, and great attention to detail. There won’t be a lot of time to take a seat when you’re constantly overseeing the work of many different subcontractors. If you’re looking at jobs that give you a workout, this is one to keep in mind.
7. Home Builder
A building contractor is someone that is responsible for building new constructions that haven’t even gotten started yet. This means that they begin their work as soon as the initial sketches and blueprints are drafted and they will be involved in the excavation and construction. Everything from beginning to end will involve a building contractor. A building contractor differs from a general contractor in that they are much more involved, whereas a general contractor mainly oversees outside specialists. Although they are relatively similar, for this reason, they do differ.
If you’re someone who prefers a more hands-on approach to work, this may be something to consider, especially if you’re looking for jobs that give you a workout.
8. Demo Contractor
If you like breaking things and getting a workout at the same time, this career might be for you. Demolition contractors are responsible for removing buildings, homes, and other structures, as well as all of the debris left behind.
Some projects may require demolishing entire buildings, while others may require demolishing a part of a building so that it can be remodeled or rebuilt. This work is highly physical, and if you’re breaking down individuals with sledgehammers, your biceps are going to be feeling it in the morning.
However, along with the physicality of the job, you’ll also need to be aware of how to safely conduct demolitions, especially those where you are inside the building. Taking out the wrong beam can quickly cause a dangerous situation if it turns out to be load-bearing. You’ll also need to be familiar with how to safely use all the tools of the trade so that you don’t injure yourself, which can quickly put an end to your days of working out.
Although this job can be fun and physical, it can also be dangerous and isn’t something that you should jump into without careful consideration. Make sure you get all of the proper training and consider apprenticing under an experienced contractor so that you can stay safe while on the job.
Jobs That Give You A Workout
If you want a job that is guaranteed to give you a workout, these eight jobs are all things you should consider. Each presents its own types of variety and all of them involve a lot of physical work with not a lot of downtime. Many also give you a secure line of work that can offer you the opportunity to even start your own business once you’ve learned the trade well enough.
However, you should also keep in mind that while these jobs will give you a workout, they can also be dangerous if not done properly. Even something as simple as lifting a heavy object wrong can quickly hurt your back permanently. If you choose to pursue any of these career paths, remember to keep safety in mind so that you can thrive in your career for decades to come.
