Landscaping is a physically demanding job requiring strength, endurance, and an outdoor lifestyle, which often leads to a fit and healthy body. In contrast, office workers typically have more sedentary roles, with limited opportunities for exercise. However, part-time office workers with active hobbies—like gym sessions, outdoor sports, and regular fitness activities—also invest time into health and fitness, balancing sedentary work with vigorous exercise routines. So, who comes out on top: the hardworking landscaper or the fitness-enthusiast office worker?
We looked at some compatible fitness data from smart watches, did some research and took a look at our days.
Physical Workouts in Daily Tasks
One of the key reasons landscapers maintain high fitness levels is due to daily physical tasks. Regular lifting, digging, and carrying materials such as paving stones or compost require stamina and strength. These tasks act as a full-body workout without any need for a formal exercise routine, which keeps landscapers fit and toned. By contrast, most office tasks are desk-bound, with perhaps the occasional lifting of heavy office supplies like a pen or a stapler!
As an office worker, I have to hit the gym regularly to build strength. However, it’s clear that landscapers have the upper hand when it comes to functional strength, as their daily tasks naturally require it.
Strength winner: Landscapers.
Cardiovascular Health from Outdoor Work
Landscaping keeps the heart rate up as it involves constant movement, from lifting and bending to walking around the site. This low-impact cardiovascular activity improves heart health, reduces chronic disease risks, and maintains healthy body weight. Working outdoors means their heart and respiratory system are consistently in action.
On the other hand, a fitness-focused office worker might log significant steps on a fitness app or engage in structured cardio like running or cycling. Landscaping’s all-day movement likely beats even a gym session or a few hours of cardio each week, however we did find that the office worker’s data supported their claim of cardio winner.
Winner for cardiovascular health: Office worker, our landscaper said the precise nature of a lot of their work meant that steps were never actually that high.
Exposure to Sunshine and Vitamin D
One significant advantage of landscaping is regular exposure to sunlight, a natural source of Vitamin D, which supports immunity, bone health, and mood regulation. Office work is generally indoors, with minimal natural light. Part-time flexibility may allow some outdoor time, but it’s unlikely to compare to the hours landscapers spend in the sun. I have not yet managed to find a way to balance my love of the sun with the need to see the laptop screen clearly.
Vitamin D exposure winner: Landscapers, especially those who manage to maintain that all year round tan.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Landscaping tasks require bending, lifting, and reaching, promoting flexibility and a greater range of motion, which helps reduce the risk of injury. Repeated stretching and movement through landscaping keeps joints lubricated and enhances flexibility over time.
For office workers, stretching and flexibility usually need to be addressed with dedicated activities like yoga or mobility exercises. While these activities are beneficial, they’re typically shorter in duration compared to the full-day movement landscapers experience.
Flexibility winner: Landscapers, although this office worker has yet to fall off her paddleboard.
Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Work
Landscaping offers tremendous mental health benefits by connecting people with nature. Studies suggest that being outdoors can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and enhance mood. Landscapers have the advantage of working in nature every day, which supports mental well-being naturally.
Office workers with active hobbies, especially outdoor ones, can find similar mental health benefits. Working part-time allows some flexibility for nature exposure, though landscapers may have the edge due to consistent daily access.
Mental health winner: The landscaper wins this one.
Nutrition and Energy Levels
Landscaping requires consistent energy, so landscapers prioritise balanced nutrition. Hydration is critical, and landscapers often focus on protein and carbs to fuel their physically demanding day. However, a landscaper’s lunch is often something quick and portable, such as sandwiches with high-protein fillings like egg or peanut butter (which no landscaper has ever made it past ten thirty to eat their lunch).
Office workers working from home have the flexibility to prepare fresh, varied meals, supporting balanced nutrition. Access to a kitchen may give them a slight nutritional advantage over landscapers, who work with limited access to fresh meals on-site. They also have the flexibility to work from some very lovely local cafes and restaurants!
Nutrition and energy winner: Office workers, thanks to flexibility and a tendency to work from lovely cafes.
Building Endurance and Resilience Over Time
Landscapers build significant endurance through the physical demands of their job, developing physical and mental resilience by working through varied weather and environmental conditions. Their stamina allows them to take on challenging tasks without fatigue and adapt to physical demands over time.
Office workers who engage in regular fitness activities also build resilience, though generally in a more controlled, time-limited environment, such as a gym or sports field. The consistent, daily nature of landscapers’ work likely provides an advantage in endurance.
Endurance and resilience winner: Landscapers.
Conclusion: Who’s Really the Healthiest?
When assessing who’s the fittest—the part-time office worker with active hobbies or the hardworking landscaper—it’s clear both have unique health strengths. Landscapers hold a clear advantage in terms of functional strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, and Vitamin D exposure. Their daily tasks naturally integrate physical fitness, providing the benefits of a full-body workout without the need for additional gym time.
Office workers with active lifestyles can also maintain high fitness levels, especially with dedicated gym or outdoor sessions. They may even have some advantages in nutrition and meal preparation due to the flexibility of their work environment. Mental health benefits are comparable if both groups spend time in nature, though landscapers experience this consistently.
Ultimately, while active office workers with sporting hobbies can stay fit, landscapers live a lifestyle where fitness is embedded into their daily work, making them naturally fit and resilient. Unfortunately, I think the muscles and tan may answer this question clearly without the need for the health data and analysis! A win for the landscapers!
Words: Jennie Eastick, Office Manager