Tonal Guest Coach Kristin McGee Steps Into Her Strength Era

For more than two decades, Kristin McGee has been a nationally recognized yoga and Pilates coach with an extensive celebrity clientele. Now, as she steps into her strength era, she’s bringing her uplifting style to Tonal as our newest guest coach, leading a reimagined Pilates experience on Tonal. 

“Tonal feels like a natural evolution to me,” says McGee. “I’m still guiding people mindfully, but now with even more focus on building functional strength from the inside out.” 

After getting her start in dancing and acting—she’s a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts—McGee discovered she loved sharing the joy of movement with others. She soon became certified in yoga, Pilates, and strength training, maintaining a focus on functional strength and mindful movement in all her workouts. 

As a mother of three boys, McGee, 52, is passionate about helping busy moms and women over 40 gain strength and feel empowered. “I see myself as a bridge who can help women in midlife feel strong, seen, and supported through movement that evolves with them, not against them,” she says. 

Read on to learn more about what it’s like to train with McGee, how her approach to training has evolved over the years, and why she thinks strength training is so important in your 40s and beyond. 

What's your vibe as a coach?

Supportive, uplifting, and a little playful. I want you to feel strong, capable, and confident after every session.

What is it like to train with you?

Challenging but encouraging. I’ll meet you where you are and help you push past what you thought you could do, while still keeping it fun and approachable.

What do you love about coaching?

The “aha” moments. Seeing someone connect with their body in a new way—whether that’s standing taller, breathing deeper, or feeling stronger—never gets old.

How does strength training make you feel?

It grounds me. When I feel strong physically, I’m more resilient emotionally. It’s like strength from the outside in and the inside out.

You’re well-known for your Pilates coaching. Why do you love Pilates?

Pilates is a full-body workout that supports everything else you do, whether that’s lifting weights, running, or simply living your daily life with more ease. The benefits of a regular Pilates practice include a stronger core and posture, improved flexibility and balance, reduced pain and injury risk, and better breathing and body awareness.

How do you combine Pilates and strength training in your routine?

Think of Pilates as the foundation and strength training as the building blocks. Pilates helps you create stability, core strength, and proper movement patterns; strength training layers on load and intensity to build muscle and resilience. Doing both ensures you’re strong, aligned, and less prone to injury.

What are common misconceptions about Pilates? 

That it’s just stretching, or that it’s “easy.” In reality, Pilates is one of the most effective ways to build functional strength, improve alignment, and prevent injuries. It’s accessible for beginners but can be incredibly challenging for advanced athletes, too.

How do you prioritize your training as a busy mom and fitness pro?

I’ve learned that “me time” doesn’t have to be long to be meaningful. Even 20 minutes on Tonal helps me reset, refocus, and refill my cup. I can wake up super early and move my body in my own home while my boys are sleeping. I can also fit in a Tonal workout anytime of day when I need a pick-me-up or some concentrated movement that helps me refocus and feel my best.

What are three exercises you couldn’t live without?

Deadlifts for strength (I also love the hamstring stretch they give me), plank variations for core stability, and bridge lifts for glutes and lower back support. 

How has your approach to recovery evolved over the years?

Recovery used to feel optional, but now it’s non-negotiable. I’ve learned that true strength is built when we allow ourselves to rest, reset, and repair, it’s what keeps me going long-term as an athlete, teacher and mom. 

Why is strength training so important for women 40+?

As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, bone density, and mobility. Strength training is the most powerful tool we have to slow that process. Strength training helps maintain muscle, protect joints, support balance, and keep our metabolism healthy. It’s not just about looking strong; it’s about staying independent, capable, and confident for life.

What should strength training look like for women in their 40s and beyond?

It should be consistent, balanced, and smart. Focus on compound movements (like squats, lunges, presses, pulls) that mimic how we move in daily life, paired with core and stability work. Use resistance you can control with good form, and prioritize recovery just as much as effort. The goal is to challenge yourself, but in a way that supports longevity, not burnout.

How do you spend your free time outside of coaching?

I’m passionate about being present with my boys, connecting with others, and finding joy in small moments. Nature walks, breathwork, meditation, laughter, and learning always fill me up. I also love to sing and spend time with my family and extended family, as well as travel and snuggle with my cat Lucky. 

Follow Kristin McGee on Instagram at @kristinmcgee and keep an eye out for her workouts on Tonal, coming soon!