BusinessBusiness jobsHealth

10 Jobs That Burn The Most Calories: Glassdoor.com

10 Jobs That Burn The Most Calories
Open Image Modal
By 

Former Associate Business Editor, The Huffington Post

|

With a growing percentage of American workers finding themselves glued to a computer all day, those jobs that require a little bit of physical activity look more and more enticing to many.

So which jobs are good for burning the calories? After sifting through millions of listings, job search site Glassdoor.com found that in several jobs, exercise and physical exertion is a key component of daily tasks. Even so, based on recent research, finding a job that requires a little extra exercise may be harder than it used to be. Over the past fifty years, the percentage of jobs held by Americans that required physical exertion has fallen to just 20 percent, down from 50 percent, a May report by PLoS One found. That means both American men and women now burn over 100 fewer calories a day than they used to.

When it comes to working off calories, some jobs have more obvious benefits than others. It's not surprising that personal trainers get a good workout, for example, but we didn't realize they get outranked by both valets and the sales reps at Best Buy.

It's not that those jobs that shed the calories are all fun and games -- far from it. Indeed, a number of these careers come with high degrees of stress. Firefighters, ranked seventh on the list below, have to stay in great shape to ensure they're ready to save lives and put out blazes, but the danger associated with the occupation also makes it an incredibly stressful job, according to one recent survey. Photojournalists, to use another example, also reportedly deal with the high stress of deadlines and intense competition. That might be expected when obtaining the best shot requires getting to the action just a bit faster than competitors, heavy equipment in hand, as Glassdoor.com points out.

Here are the ten jobs that burn the most calories, according to Glassdoor.com:

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Top 10 Jobs That Burn Calories
10. Personal Trainer(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
What better way to improve your fitness and maintain it than by training others day in and day out? This career path often requires training and certification, but once attained, you'll spend most of your day moving, lifting, stretching and coaching, by example. Increase your stamina from head to toe, and get paid. For example, a 24 Hour Fitness Personal Trainer in San Diego, CA recently commented, "You stay healthy while working with like-minded individuals that care about their fitness and health. (some take it a little overboard)."
9. Landscaper(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Everything isn't coming up roses with this job. As a professional landscaper, you'll work several muscle groups to weed, mulch, trim and plant around lawns, walks and walls. You'll get fit by using those bicep and shoulder muscles to pull, while working major leg muscles with constant squatting. (credit:AP)
8. Retail Sales Associate(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you want to improve your core and leg muscles, this job often has you standing, walking and literally running around for eight hours. Climbing a ladder may also be required. For increased fitness results, look for retail sales associate jobs during the holidays when things are really hectic. (credit:Getty)
7. Firefighter(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Just to be a firefighter, you'll need to spend hours cross-training to pass a rigorous fitness test. Because you'll be rushing to save lives in heavy gear and may be called upon to carry people, firefighters must also possess great endurance. This is often achieved by lifting weights to improve leg, chest and arm muscles, while also maintaining speed. Running up 40 flights of stairs in seven minutes is a common practice. (credit:Getty)
6. Nanny(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Today's Nanny is on the go! If you want a great cardio workout, a good Nanny will keep kids engaged by leading activities and entertaining them, while also running errands and at times, literally running after kids! High energy, dedication and the ability to work long hours is a must. (credit:AP)
5. Tour Guide(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
From walking tours of New York City to biking tours of Yosemite National Park in California, Tour Guides can work up a daily sweat and trim their waistline by guiding others in many of the nation's most memorable locations. Your core and overall fitness will get a boost through full body resistance and endurance training. (credit:AP)
4. News Photographer(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Breaking News! Who responds? News Photographers, that's who. With fewer newsrooms these days and a 24/7 news cycle, news photographers are on the move at all times to capture life's moments unfolding before it's too late. They're constantly moving, running, rushing and lifting heavy equipment to make daily deadlines. You'll burn some bulge with an 8-hour cardio workout (aka: your normal shift). (credit:Getty)
3. Roofer(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
Looking to sweat? From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, Roofers lift, move, tear, cut, cover and carry heavy objects, while maintaining superior balance. Grow your muscles by maneuvering shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood and more. During summer, you'll burn even more calories working under a blazing sun. Stay hydrated. (credit:Getty)
2. Furniture Delivery Driver(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
If building big muscle like a bodybuilder is among your fitness goals in 2012, why not go for it by lifting couches, chairs and beds for a living? Furniture delivery drivers carry and maneuver furniture until a client is happy with where it is. You'll use multiple muscle groups daily, tearing down muscle tissue so it grows back bigger and stronger. Combine this with protein supplements to enhance muscle growth even more. (credit:AP)
1. Valet (10 of10)
Open Image Modal
When how much money you make depends on how fast you run, every second counts. Faster service often means bigger tips, which is why Valets burn many calories by literally sprinting back and forth for hours. This on-the-job cardio workout will really trim the waistline, as running is among the fastest ways to lose weight and gain endurance. (credit:Getty)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip