NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When you spend your career in front of the camera covering professional sports, maintaining your physical and mental well-being becomes more than a hobby, it becomes part of the job. For Nashville-based NHL host and reporter Kate Pettersen, fitness has always been a constant, but over the years it has also become something much deeper: a way to heal, stay grounded, and honor the people she loves most.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Pettersen has called Middle Tennessee home for nearly five years. Since moving to Nashville, she’s embraced the city’s active lifestyle, taking advantage of everything from boutique fitness studios to outdoor adventures.

As an NHL host, Kate Pettersen has carved out a career covering the game from every angle. While she’s spent plenty of time reporting alongside the Nashville Predators, she’s also kept her finger on the pulse of the league, covering the Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, the NHL Draft, and more.

Growing up, sports were always part of her life. She played nearly every sport she could as a child, and today that same competitive spirit fuels her commitment to health and wellness. Whether she’s preparing for life on camera or simply making time for herself on an off day, staying active remains a priority.

“I work in sports so keeping up with a healthy and active lifestyle has always been important to me,” she says. “I want to look good and feel good on camera so I spend most of my downtime and ‘off days’ working out, playing golf, riding horses, hiking, etc.”

Her fitness routine includes cardio classes at OrangeTheory, reformer Pilates at JetSet Midtown, and strength-focused workouts at Solidcore in The Gulch.

Outside the studio, she takes advantage of everything Middle Tennessee has to offer.

“There’s so much to do here!” she says. “There are some amazing hikes within an hour of Nashville and I absolutely love Percy Warner Park—the stairs are a great workout and the trails offer lots of different options. I try to pop into run clubs when I can and I find there are always great fitness events going on when I’m in town. I also love getting out on the lake to wake surf!”

While fitness has always been a part of her life, Pettersen says one of her greatest personal challenges has been navigating the loss of both of her parents.

“I’ve lost both my parents,” she said.  “I lost my dad suddenly when I was only 21 and my mom when I was 30. I struggle daily with grief and the pain of losing them but I really try to live my life to the fullest because I know that’s what they would want.”

At Nashville Fit, we agree that she is killing in and making them proud! 

Over time, she’s learned that grief doesn’t simply disappear, it becomes something you learn to carry.

“I don’t think the pain ever goes away but learning how to manage those feelings and doing what’s best for you on the tougher days has really helped me,” she says. “I try to stay as busy as I can when I know it’s going to be hard, fill my day with things I love to do or things I would’ve done with my parents and give myself grace. It’s ok to be sad, it’s ok to miss them and it’s ok to give yourself a day to regroup when things get overwhelming.”

She adds that making time for yourself is especially important while working in a demanding industry.

“It’s hard to do when you work in a fast paced industry, that seems to be non-stop, but it’s incredibly important to make that time for yourself if you want to perform at the highest level.”

When it comes to staying motivated with fitness, Pettersen believes consistency starts with making movement feel manageable.

“The 20 minute rule!” she says. “You can do anything for 20 minutes. Start there. I use it for laundry, cleaning the house, getting moving when I’m having a tough day. Set your timer for 20 minutes and just move. I guarantee that 9 times out of 10, you end up doing more than 20 minutes.”

Today, Pettersen continues sharing her journey with followers on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at life as an NHL host and reporter, while also documenting her passion for health, wellness, philanthropy, and the everyday moments that keep her grounded. She also says she’s always open to sharing her story, meeting new people, and hosting or emceeing community events, so pop in and say hi!

Author: Tala Shatara