CHILTERN RAILWAYS LAUNCH TRAIN YOGA TO TACKLE PHONE ZOMBIES

Passengers doing yoga on the train

-    “Choo-Choo”, “Aisle Twist” and “Train Tracks” were just some of the new train yoga moves trialled by Chiltern passengers in a bid to promote mindfulness

Partnering with the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre, Chiltern Railways have launched the UK’s first ever train yoga promoting mindfulness to counteract an increasing reliance on digital devices, and a transformation into phone zombies.


Trialling the ‘Mindfulness Zone’ – passengers were invited to join in a complimentary yoga class and then partake in other mindfulness activities including adult colouring in. Customers were encouraged to put down their phones, pack away their laptops and enjoy the beneficial mindfulness activities hearing how it can improve performance in the workplace through the development of greater resiliency, regulation of workplace stress and increased emotional intelligence.


Eleni Jordan, Commercial Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “People are glued to their phones everywhere they go. Whilst a crucial part of our lives, there is great benefit in taking time to switch off and explore your creative mind through meditation, colouring or even yoga on the way to work!


“Since we’ve also recently partnered with mental health charity, Mind, as our charity of the year, we wanted to create a space to promote mindfulness - where our passengers can sit back, reflect and reenergise.”


Willem Kuyken, director at the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre, comments: “We live in an age where we don’t usually stop to think about how we’re feeling or what we’re doing. Mindfulness teaches us to do exactly that, with practices such as yoga and meditation.


“Reports have shown that mindfulness activities can help people from all walks of life. From improving student focus levels to helping relieve stressed out workers - and today assisting Chiltern customers!”


Chiltern Railways’ ‘Mindfulness Zone’ was trialled yesterday (Wednesday 4th April), on its 12.55 train from Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone. The service picked up passengers at Solihull, Warwick Parkway, Leamington Spa, Banbury and High Wycombe before arriving in London at 14.42.


Train passengers from across the country, needn’t fear missing out. Chiltern’s social media advisors will be tweeting images of suggested yoga poses and mindfulness tips created by London Marylebone Indaba Yoga Studio Instructor, Ellie Di Martino. The yoga poses will also be available for download on the Chiltern Railways website, so that more people can feel the benefits of Mindfulness on their way to work.


During the school holidays, families are encouraged to give the seated activities a try at the start and end of a day out on the Chiltern route.  The Chiltern Family Travelcard* is available from just £25 and covers family return trips to London, plus unlimited journeys on London’s tube and buses. Families travelling with Chiltern Railways will also get ‘2 for 1’ entry to many of London’s top attractions, from the ArcelorMittal Orbit to The Coca-Cola London Eye, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.


For more information about Chiltern Railways, or to view advanced fare offers please visit: www.chilternrailways.co.uk/


The Train Yoga Pose Sheet is available for download below. Chiltern ask that passengers remember to keep their feet off the seats when attempting the poses.