New research suggests tradespeople are amongst the nation's fittest workers, typically exercising for 16.4 hours each week, over six times the NHS' minimum recommendation of 2.5 hours exercise per week.
Public liability insurers Direct Line for Business, authors of the study, said it destroys the myth of tradespeople living off junk food, cigarettes and alcohol.
The research shows how 41%(1.1 million) of builders, plumbers and carpenters complete more than ten hours of physical activity a week at work.
One in four claimed to complete more than 20 hours a week and the average for all tradespeople was 11.7 hours per week.
British tradespeople are also keeping fit outside of work with an additional average of 4.69 hours of physical activity, through working out at the gym and sport.
The research also found that Britain's 2.8 million tradespeople have considerably healthier diets than originally thought, with only one in fourteen (7%) claiming they consistently eat more than their recommended daily allowance (RDA).
In fact, a large number actively watch their waistlines, with 18% claiming they ‘rarely' or ‘never' surpass their calorific RDA.
Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line for Business commented: "This research shows that, despite the sometimes negative publicity that surrounds the lifestyle of tradespeople, they are actually setting a great example to the public with their active daily routines.
"However, while an active lifestyle is encouraged, British tradespeople must consider their business interests too, ensuring they are correctly insured. Tradesmen need to consider their financial health and security along with their physical wellbeing."
