Experts Who Elevate – Betty Zapata and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Well & Being Group Fitness Team
By:Susan B. Barnes
Home
/
Blog
/
Experts Who Elevate – Betty Zapata and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Well & Being Group Fitness Team
Posted on: 14 September 2021
Since its opening in 1987, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has been a trailblazer when it comes to the health and wellness of its guests, so much so that the property dedicated an entire role to designing fitness programs for meetings and conventions.
Betty Zapata, Groups Business Manager of the resort’s 44,000-square-foot Well & Being Spa, along with a team of five certified trainers endeavor to leverage the hottest fitness trends, as well the abundant amenities at the resort, to get groups moving. Zapata said that one of the most popular group fitness offerings is a 30-minute or hour- long yoga session in a tranquil location on the grounds, like the lagoon lawn or rose garden.
“It’s a nice way for people to start the day,” she said. Along those lines, a fitness instructor can visit breakout sessions to lead a five-minute stretch that “gets everybody awake and ready for their next meeting.”
One of the team members, Debbie Puskar, Lead Instructor, has 28 years of experience in the fitness industry and has been a part of the Well & Being Spa team for 18 years.
Puskar brings in new classes and equipment that challenge guests — in a good way. Innovative classes she has recently introduced include aerial hammock yoga, using a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling; bungee fitness, a low impact, high intensity strengthening workout; and Surfset, a total body strength and conditioning class using a surfboard, weights, resistance bands and more.
One of the most inventive ways to get people motivated (and moving): Fender Blender Bikes, which offer instant gratification after a workout. During a spin class, attendees blend up smoothies, or even margaritas, using the energy created from their own pedal power.
To accommodate large groups, Zapata and her team can reserve the fitness studios within the spa to offer multiple classes simultaneously. Additionally, a variety of group fitness classes can be held outdoors, such as tai chi, water aerobics and spin, for which the bikes are moved outside behind the fitness center, overlooking Sunset Beach. Another popular activity is a 5k run or walk around the resort’s 65 acres.
“What’s nice is that we’re such a big resort that we have a lot of options using our indoor classes, as well as the outdoor spaces,” Zapata said.
Editor’s note: This article first published in the Fall 2022 issue of Beyond the Meeting Room, ALHI’s printed magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication focused on sharing compelling, inspirational and educational stories from beyond the four walls of a meeting ...
When designer Robert Polacek was gathering inspiration for the renovation of Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay’s The Club Room, he looked nearby to the rugged Pacific Coast, specifically Point Pinos, and studied its rich sea-faring history.
The area possesses...
Spain has long been on travelers’ radars, known for its mild temperatures, coastal landscapes and sweeping vistas. Not only is the Mediterranean country easy to reach, but it’s filled with enough art, culture, outdoor pursuits and dining options to keep one bu...
Nearly two full months into 2023 and indicators are increasingly positive for the hospitality industry, with the latest jobs report further boosting industry confidence.
The January employment report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics saw the overall economy add 51...
Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) and Hosts Global, a strategic partner for meeting and event planners worldwide, have entered a strategic partnership designed to bring expanded destination service support to sought-after locations across the globe.
The align...
The iconic Kempinski Lady in Red is the most attentive host for every moment of your stay. Any stay at a Kempinski property is so much more than exquisite buildings and outstanding facilities. It's the remarkable hosts and warm-hearted hospitality that really bring ex...
Is everything really bigger in Texas? Sure, there’s a bit of bravado in that statement though the annual South by Southwest festival makes for a strong case to back up the claim.
The annual event that brings film, interactive media, music and education to the city ...
The timing of a headline and article in the Wall Street Journal could not have been more apropos, appearing just days before the business meeting and event industry unites for its annual Global Meetings Industry Day.
“There’s No Substitute for Meeting in Pers...
The meeting and event industry will come together on March 30, to celebrate Global Meetings Industry Day, an international day of advocacy and education designed to spotlight the importance and economic impact of business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitio...
Editor’s Note: This story, originally published in April 2022, has been updated for #GMID2023.
When a group of meeting professionals in Edmonton, Canada, came up with the idea to have a day devoted to the professional, little did they know their gathering would be ...
 "Experts Who Elevate – Betty Zapata and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Well & Being Group Fitness Team")
 "ALHI at the Movies")
 "Get a Taste for Monterey at Portola, From Newly Renovated Nautical Club Room to Plant-Based Meals")
 "Destination: Spain")
 "Jobs Report Boosts Hospitality, Meeting Industry Confidence")
 "ALHI, Hosts Global Enter into Strategic Partnership")
 "The Kempinski Touch: Lady in Red")
 "Film, Interactive Media, Music, Education—SXSW Has it All")
 "#MeetingsMatter: Global Meetings Industry Day 2023")
 "GMID Facts, How to Participate")
 "GMID Unites Meeting Industry for Day of Advocacy")
