When choosing a career, many focus on employment opportunities, industry growth potential, and whether they can make an adequate salary. For some lucky individuals, their choice lands them in a great position with a reputable company where they spend their days holed up in a private office on the top floor.
Corporate life isn't for everyone, though. Some prefer to seek jobs that require physical fitness or where they get to spend their days outside. The obvious choices might be construction work or law enforcement, while nurses and retail associates also get their fair share of physical activity as well.
If you're looking into jobs that keep you fit and healthy, these seven careers will give you a natural workout all day long.
Why Choose a Physical Career?
Further, inactivity has profound economic, social and national security implications. Studies have shown that $117 billion in health care expenses are linked to low physical activity levels annually. Another 2020 study reported that 19% of U.S. adults ages 18-24 are unfit for military recruitment because they're overweight.
1. Retail Associate
Retail associates aren't sitting around all day - that's for sure. They spend their shifts walking the floor, helping customers find what they need, and promoting different brands and products.
Those who work at clothing stores may monitor dressing rooms or organize racks. At the supermarket, retail associates are responsible for ensuring cleanliness and fully-stocked shelves or operating the cash register.
Often, they might have to lift and carry heavy boxes or reorganize displays. Regardless, these busy workers spend most of their time on their feet.
Those with an aptitude for customer service, a knack for sales, and an ability to move around looking for jobs that keep you fit may want to become retail associates.
2. Landscaper
If you're a nature lover looking for jobs that keep you active, you might consider becoming a landscaper.
Landscapers are responsible for lawn care, weeding and mulching garden beds, tree removal, and pest control. They also plant flowers, bushes, and trees for properties such as residences, businesses, and parks.
3. Park Ranger
Environmental enthusiasts might be interested in pursuing a career as a park ranger. These government positions help protect and maintain national parks and wildlife preserves. It's also one of the great jobs that keep you fit.
Some park rangers spend their days mapping out trails, requiring them to walk long distances in all types of weather, including rain and snow. In more serious situations, they should be able to hike or run to rescue missing park visitors or avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife.
While some park rangers focus on conservation management, environmental education, and office-bound tasks, others concentrate on emergency response initiatives and fieldwork.
4. Construction Worker
While it is one of the more demanding jobs on this list, it comes with immense satisfaction. You'll be keeping yourself active with lifting, walking, and machine operating. On top of that, you and your crew are working together to create a new building or make repairs - both requiring plenty of skill and dexterity.
5. Fitness Trainer
If you're searching for jobs that require physical fitness, becoming a fitness trainer could naturally be your ideal career path.
Trainers collaborate with people to help them meet exercise and weight loss goals at gyms and workout facilities. They often create programs and assist attendees with their sessions, equipment operations, and diet plans.
Sometimes, fitness trainers demonstrate different techniques to their clients or workout alongside them. Naturally, they need to be fit to accomplish this.
6. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses were under immense pressure during the coronavirus pandemic, making their jobs more physically taxing than ever.
Nurses are responsible for visiting, caring for, and documenting information about their patients during doctor's appointments and hospitalizations. They may stop in to see numerous patients throughout their shifts, having to walk down long corridors or lift and maneuver heavy objects on the job - including the patient themselves.
If you know you have the stamina and drive, a nursing career is one of the most fulfilling jobs that keep you active.
7. Event Planner
Weddings and big celebratory bashes are lots of fun, but it's easy to forget the amount of work, time, and energy it takes to throw an event of such magnitude.
Event planners are some of the hardest-working and most active people. Their line of work keeps them on their toes all day, from checking out potential venues to meeting with clients and assisting with heavy lifting during event set-ups.
A lot of pressure comes with being an event planner, making it essential to learn coping strategies to beat the physical and emotional stress leading up to a function.
Find the Best Jobs to Keep You Fit
If pursuing jobs that require physical fitness is most important to you in your professional life, consider one of these careers. While they may require a high fitness level, what matters most is you enjoy what you do.
