Cooking is generally considered lighter than renovation in terms of physical exertion. This is due to the nature of the tasks involved in each job. Cooking primarily involves standing, preparing ingredients, and using kitchen utensils, which are generally less physically demanding than the manual labor required in renovation work.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the physical demands for chefs and head cooks are often categorized as "moderate." This includes tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds. In contrast, renovation work, such as construction or remodeling, often requires heavy lifting, carrying, and moving of materials that can weigh significantly more than 25 pounds. For example, a construction worker might need to lift and carry materials that weigh over 50 pounds or more, which is a much more physically demanding task.

Additionally, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has identified several risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, which are common in renovation work. These include repetitive movements, forceful exertions, and awkward postures. Cooking, while it can involve repetitive tasks, does not typically require the same level of forceful exertion or awkward postures that are common in renovation work.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that construction workers had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders compared to chefs. This suggests that the physical demands of renovation work are greater than those of cooking.

In conclusion, cooking is generally considered lighter than renovation in terms of physical exertion due to the nature of the tasks involved and the physical demands required. The data from the BLS and APTA, as well as research on musculoskeletal disorders, support this conclusion.