Spanking V. Physical activity

When I was growing up, my parents never spanked. My parents insisted on physical punishments that didn't involve putting their hands on me violently. By this I mean if I backtalked I got to do a wallsit for two minutes. Other punishments included digging holes, running, sparring with a heavy bag (boxing), or push ups. They were always creative punishments and while sometimes painful did not actually harm me. It was more of an annoyance to have to go running at 10:00 at night. Personally, I think it was good for me. I don't have an aversion to working out now and I grew up respectful as did all of my siblings. But a friend of mine is insisting that it is worse than spanking and equivalent to abuse. I disagree, I never felt abused physically or emotionally. So my question is which would you consider worse?