Take a lunch break to some party beats!

Working professionals in Sweden are living the idea of work hard, party harder with a new concept called 'Lunch Beat', which aims to fit in dancing during lunch hours!

Melissa D'costa 

'Is the party at noon?" is probably a sentiment echoed in corporate corridors in Sweden as clubbing replaces 'the traditional afternoon lunch break'. Also referred to as 'Lunch Beat', the phenomenon has become increasingly popular in Stockholm since its inception in June 2010, and has spread to other Swedish cities and European countries. 

More about the trend 

Daniel Odelstad, who organises the Stockholm edition, explains that the one-hour event is all about getting in as much dancing as possible given the time constraints. There is no alcohol, but the 100-kronor cover charge will get you a sandwich! Lunch Beat began in June of 2010 with only 14 people, but the event has quickly grown. There are now monthly Lunch Beats in Stockholm that bring people together. 

Would you trade your tiffin for an hour of dancing? 

While spa lunches and elaborate spreads are a hit here, would there be any takers for this regime? We quiz working professionals to find out what they think about the concept. Taisha Oberoi, a media executive, says, "I love the concept. For someone like me, who loves dancing, this is a fun way to feel refreshed. I generally have lunch break for an hour at 3 pm, and that's generally the time when you feel like slacking off. Dancing would help to work off any extra calories and lift my mood, which can only benefit my work." 

    Travel executive Sandhya Seth adds, "It's refreshing and you can get back to work reenergised. Also, due to our hectic lifestyles, people don't get the time to work out, so dancing will be a fun workout. Besides, when you have a heavy lunch, you tend to feel sleepy and lazy. A sandwich is a good add on as it's lighter and ideal when you want to rush back to work." 

    However, not everyone is elated with the idea. Reema Singh, a marketing professional, is cautious and adds, "I'd be concerned about whether it's healthy to dance while or just after you eat. Plus, in our city, there really isn't the time. Most of us have lunch at our desks or slip out for about 15 minutes. I'd be wary of disturbing the tempo of the work day — and jumping into a strenuous workout around meal time with no warmup or cool- downs." 

Is it a health concern? 

Dr Hasmukh Ravat, a cardiologist, says, "Mild or moderate activity after lunch is not harmful, however, one should avoid any kind of strenuous exercise immediately after a meal. Also, when most people go to hotels they end up snacking on junk food. If people go clubning, a mild dance routine with a healthy diet can help them stay fit and healthy."

DANCING THROUGH LUNCH: Trading beats for calories