ABOVE: JW Marriot, Scottsdale
Nora Tobin, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ first Wellness Ambassador, shares her top tips for wellness and healthy travel
This year, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts (marriott.com) is introducing a partnership with Nora Tobin, a California-based celebrity trainer, lifestyle coach, performance and nutrition specialist and author of Kale, Cardio and Cocktails. As the global luxury brand’s first wellness ambassador, Tobin has helped craft integrated wellness experiences that will roll out at JW properties throughout the year, as well as a series of retreats in destinations like Scottsdale, Austin, and Marco Island, Florida.
We caught up with Tobin to hear more—and get some tips for healthy travel.
What are some of the core elements of your wellness philosophy?
I believe a healthy lifestyle should be built on enjoyment and abundance, which is key to sustainable, long-term success. My programs are based on the idea of “Fulfilment in 3”: Fitness, with a focus on short, efficient high-intensity interval workouts and dynamic yoga routines; Nutrition, incorporating an eight-hour eating window and clean cocktails; and Mindset, including strategies to manage stress and improve sleep.
How have you adapted your program for the JW wellness initiatives?
We have amazing programming for JW Marriott guests. These include Peak by JW on-demand videos featuring effective workouts, yoga sessions and breathing exercises, all accessible in the comfort of your room—and online, once you’re back home. We’ve also created healthy in-room dining options (including clean smoothies and juices designed to deliver essential on-the-go nutrients), as well as corporate wellness programming for meetings and business travelers.
Tell us about the retreats—what kinds of tools will guests learn?
The well-being retreats are built on the philosophy of fulfilment and bringing that to life through cuisine, fitness, outdoor experiences, spa treatments and personalized one-on-one sessions. Guests will receive specific strategies and actionable steps to use well after the retreat is over, including workouts/yoga routines, access to online videos, and a personal book with the Kale, Cardio and Cocktails five-week plan, retreat recipes, a guided journal and more.
What are some of the challenges of staying healthy while traveling?
It is a challenge to maintain any sort of healthy routine if it does not feel accessible or easy to do. By providing tools and strategies that support well-being without the need for significant time or effort, I believe the travel experience can be elevated and enjoyed.
What are some of your top tips for healthy travel?
Perform Planks
- The plank is one of the best exercises for a flat, toned stomach because it works all the muscles in your core, including your abdominals, internal and external obliques, hips and back. These muscles provide support for the entire body in everyday movements, reduce back pain and improve posture. Plus, planks burn more calories than sit-ups or crunches—they’re truly the ultimate total-body toner!
Create an Eating Window
- Pick an eight-hour period in which you will consume all your food for the day; the time can be adjusted depending on lifestyle, and you can eat what you want (within reason)—just be sure it’s within the window. During this time, the body goes into cellular cleanup and rapid fat loss mode, and is able to replenish its energy stores and nutrient levels.
Take a Breath
- You can train your mind to stay calm, centered and focused without spending a lot of time on it. Set a time for one-minute, close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for a count of five, hold for a count of five, and exhale through your nose for five. Repeat for the rest of the minute.
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