At 8.30 pm, 15-year-old Sarah Michelle returns home after a long day filled with math tutorials and the pressures of school life, humming the tune of a popular Tamil song. Like many of her peers in Chennai, Sarah finds herself navigating a demanding routine packed with studies and extracurriculars. With no mobile phone to distract her and little time for relaxation, she dedicates her days to studying or watching TV. However, Sarah has found a spark of joy in an unexpected place: a 15-minute dance break during school hours. “It keeps me going, refreshes my mind, and has improved my studies,” she shares.
This dance class is part of an innovative program called THANDAV (Taking High-Intensity Interval Training [HIIT] And Dance to Adolescents for Victory over Non-communicable Diseases [NCDs]), created by Dr. Ranjith Anjana Mohan at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. The initiative aims to combat sedentary behavior among adolescents while enhancing their metabolism. Preliminary studies with 23 girls aged between 10 and 17 have shown promising results, encouraging more youth to join live or online sessions.
Dr. Mohan emphasizes the importance of counteracting the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among Indian teens. “One in four teens is obese, and the pressures from studies often lead to a sedentary lifestyle. It’s vital to establish healthy habits during these formative years,” she explains.
Understanding THANDAV
THANDAV combines HIIT routines with popular dance styles from Bollywood, Mollywood, and Tollywood, making physical activity enjoyable. “Just three sessions a week of 10 minutes can provide metabolic benefits equivalent to running for one hour daily,” Dr. Mohan reveals. The engaging structure aims to ensure sustainability while retaining a fun atmosphere among participants.
The routine’s design includes four segments: high-intensity moves followed by cooldown segments set to energizing tracks. The findings show that young participants experience heightened heart rates, which enhances oxygen flow to muscles and supports overall cardiovascular health.
With impending larger trials, Dr. Mohan is optimistic. Participants reported notable improvements in weight, stamina, and agility over just a few months. Parents like Sheeba Rosario attest to the benefits, noting how her daughter Sarah has become more active and focused since joining THANDAV. “The routine has helped her relax and regain concentration,” she recalls.
Addressing Sedentary Behavior Among Teens
Dr. Mohan’s research pipeline follows a broader study measuring sedentary behavior among teenagers worldwide. The International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN) found that Indian adolescents spend a worrying eight to ten hours per day engaged in sedentary recreation such as screen time. “Adolescents should not exceed three hours of sedentary activities, yet the reality is concerning,” Dr. Mohan states.
The Need for Change
The study highlights the necessity for more walkable neighborhood designs and safe public spaces to promote outdoor activities for young people. Currently, many parks are inadequate for teen engagement, focusing instead on adult programs. “We require accessible community spaces that cater to group activities and sports that teens can enjoy together,” explains Dr. Mohan.
By embedding THANDAV into school routines, authorities can ensure teens receive regular physical activity. Short bursts of fun exercise can easily fit into busy schedules, offering students a much-needed break from their studies.
Feedback from participants illustrates the routine’s positive impact on their health and social lives. As one student expressed, learning THANDAV provides not just fitness but also confidence, as they engage one another in enjoyable, supportive environments.
Overall, initiatives like THANDAV not only aim to combat the growing crisis of sedentary lifestyles amongst youth but also seek to instill lasting habits for healthier futures, one dance break at a time.
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