Setting out to pursue a wellness career in Music City was daunting at first, especially when everything seemed tied to music. Even so, it wasn’t long before I discovered a rapidly growing fitness scene in Nashville. It may not be apparent at first glance, but a strong community made up of personal trainers, yoga teachers, and health-focused entrepreneurs has collectively created a movement that has put Nashville on the map in the health and fitness scene nationwide.

The city itself has shaped my journey to wellness. Rewind to 2016 after recovering from a life-threatening workout injury called Rhabdomyolysis, I dove into yoga and meditation to improve awareness of my body. As I fell in love with these practices, I began my own wellness brand—Meditate Kate—to introduce meditation to the community through workshops in greenhouses, breweries, and even acupuncture clinics. Being an entrepreneur in the health and fitness scene in Nashville opened my eyes to just how big this wellness community is.

Nashville’s biggest wellness trend right now? Concierge fitness. The city is thriving because of the magnitude of influencers, entrepreneurs, and people who hustle hard. Because of busy schedules, gym memberships can be as tough to commit to. As a yoga instructor for City Fit Concierge, I’ve found my clients achieve their goals because we bring fitness to them. City Fit Concierge is a service that provides personal training, private yoga, and group classes to luxury apartments and client homes.

So what does a day in the life of a vegan and fitness-obsessed Nashville yogi look like? Here are my go-to spots, local tips, and mantras.

 

FAVORITE YOGA STUDIO

Sanctuary for Yoga in Green Hills is one of my favorites. Aside from experienced teachers and challenging classes, the studio also happens to be right across from True Food Kitchen.

 

GO-TO OUTDOOR WORKOUT SPOT

In the winter, I take my dog Frisco hiking at Percy Warner. In the summer, I spend every weekend paddle boarding at Percy Priest Lake.

 

BEST VEGAN SPOT

I almost always hit up Wild Cow after I teach yoga in East Nashville for vegan nachos or their vegan Caesar salad. For a night out, Avo and Henrietta Red never disappoint when it comes to vegan options.

 

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP ATHLEISURE WEAR

Longevity Boutique in East Nashville has the best of the best when it comes to yoga pants. But you’ll also find me at Outdoor Voices on 12th South shopping after free Flourish Meditation classes on Saturdays.

 

GO-TO FOR CLEAN GROCERIES

I won’t shop anywhere besides Turnip Truck. They have everything from your grocery list (duh), but also all the vitamins you need, vegan wine, cruelty-free makeup, and incense that I burn in my classes.

 

DAILY BREAKFAST

When on the go, a superfood smoothie is always the best option. They’re full of healthy fats and protein to keep you energized all day. I use almond milk, frozen blueberries, a frozen banana, and I’ll vary it up between hemp seeds, chia seeds, pepitas, Brazil nuts, acai powder, spirulina, cacao powder, maca powder, and I love BIOHM Super Greens.

FOR MY HEALTH, ONCE A WEEK I…

Lift weights. As a yogi I would love to avoid it, but my fellow trainers at City Fit Concierge (follow @fittestcore and @getmoorefit for mega inspiration) have taught me the importance of strength training.

FAVORITE WORKOUT IN THE CITY

If you haven’t tried a heated kickboxing class at Hot Box, I highly recommend it.

 

BEST HEALTHY FOOD OPTION ON-THE-GO

I know Urban Juicer will always have juice and smoothies, but they also have plenty of light meals like wraps, salads, and my favorite avocado toast. I love the location in Hillsboro Village.

 

MY BEST HEALTH ADVICE

Listen to your body. I always tell my students that your body is either telling you to go deeper and push harder, or it is telling you to be patient and back off. It requires tremendous courage to let go of your pride and back off. And it is empowering when you face your fears and go further than you ever thought possible.

 

NON-NEGOTIABLE

You’re a product of the people you surround yourself with. Since working with City Fit Concierge, I have been surrounded by inspiring yogis and trainers who make me want to work harder and be my best self. A supportive community is my biggest non-negotiable.