When I connected with my good friend Kristin McGee this week, I must admit that I was completely blinded by her gorgeous cheekbones. Were they always this glowy? I didn’t ask, but I think that Kristin’s extra luminosity these day has a lot to do with her new chapter: post-Peloton, building the Kristin McGee Movement community, with her new book about somatic healing now available for pre-order, and living her most authentic life.
I adore this woman, and our 10ish-year bond: We met in the Hamptons back in 2014 on a press trip. I was in the midst of that surreal few days when you think/hope you’re pregnant, but don’t know yet…I was, as it turns out, with my youngest son, George. So I will forever equate her with that time of my life, and the hopefulness that I felt then. (Navigating infertility is part of both of our journeys to motherhood.)
Kristin and I have been friends ever since, and I’m grateful that we’ve had such an authentic, vulnerable and supportive connection from the get-go. Here are some highlights (lightly edited for clarity and flow) from our conversation, but watch the video at the top of this post for more of the really good, really deep stuff.
What Happens When You Jump Without A Safety Net?
LBP: You and I are both in the midst of big life transitions right now—you left Peloton after six years, and I left Women’s Health after seven. What made you take the leap?
KM: It was a mix of excitement and fear. I loved what I built at Peloton, but I started feeling like there was something more I needed to create—something fully my own. In my next chapter I really want to create the Kristin McGee Movement platform, where it’s not just about inspiring people to move physically, but also to create a movement of like-minded, kind people who want to lead with peace, love, and real support.
I feel like movement—yes, in the physical sense, but also creating a movement towards something greater—allowing people to connect and build community in a space where they feel safe. And I’m so excited about it.
LBP: I love that you brought up kindness. That’s a north star for me, too, as I navigate my new chapter…I want to work with really smart, really kind people. What would you say to someone who is afraid to pivot, especially in mid-life?
KM: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. I think we get paralyzed by the idea that we need a perfect plan. But growth happens when you make space for it. I’m learning as I go, and honestly? That’s part of the adventure.
LBP: I spent years telling WH readers that reinvention is always possible. Now, I get to live it myself…not just talk the talk.
KM: And I love that you are actually walking the walk now. You’re showing people that it’s okay to step outside of the box. I had the same experience—Peloton was incredible, but I started thinking, “What’s next? How do I reach even more people?” And the timing just felt right to take that leap.
LBP: It’s terrifying, but also exciting. And I love that we’re figuring this out together.
The Postpartum Chapter Is A Little Messy and A Lot Lengthy
LBP: We both have three young children. And we’re both twin mamas! Let’s talk postpartum core recovery. You’ve been open about your experience with diastasis recti.
KM: I had abs separation after my pregnancies, and I didn’t even realize how much it was affecting me at first. It took me a while to fully understand how to engage my core properly again.
LBP: What helped the most?
KM: Pilates and breath work. I had to re-train my deep core muscles and pelvic floor first before doing any traditional ab work. A lot of women jump straight into crunches, but that’s not the way to heal ab separation.
LBP: I wish I’d reached out to experts and done more research during my postpartum recovery. My diastasis recti began during my twin pregnancy, and got a lot worse with my third. Did you need surgery?
KM: No, my gap wasn’t big enough. But I know so many women who did, and I totally understand why.
LBP: I was one of them. I got surgery to resolve my umbilical hernia during the pandemic. There’s never really a good time for these things, but when it became painful, my doctor said it was time.
KM: That’s the thing—sometimes surgery is the best option. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
The Supplements That Actually Help
LBP: I’m sure you get asked this all the time. But! Do you take any supplements?
KM: I just started using aminos. I need to be more consistent with them, but I really notice a difference when I take them regularly.
LBP: I love them, too. I wrote an entire Substack about aminos recently because my experience with them has been pretty dramatic, in all of the best ways. I take a scoop of my EAAs with water every morning. It’s such a simple thing, but I see a big difference in how much effort I can give in my strength sessions.
KM: And creatine…I think it makes a difference.
LBP: I agree. It’s not just for bodybuilders, it’s for all of us. It helps with strength, brain function, and building lean muscle mass. [Editor’s note: Come back next Wednesday for a deep dive into creatine!]
KM: Totally. And it’s so good for recovery.
LBP: What about hydration? Do you just do plain water or add electrolytes?
KM: Oh, I love electrolytes. I keep a giant water bottle with me at all times. And if I’ve been sweating a lot, I add sodium, potassium, and magnesium to my water. I feel so much better when I do that.
Training For…LIFE!
LBP: I appreciate how accessible you make yoga and Pilates to people—even those without a regular practice—but I also love watching you on social, getting into lifting more.
KM: I’ve always loved strength training—I actually started as a personal trainer way back in the day. But I never really had a consistent plan with it. Now, I’m really committing to a structured program, focusing on progressive overload and building true strength.
LBP: Do you have a specific goal you’re working toward?
KM: Yes! My big goal is to get a pull-up by the end of summer.
LBP: I love that…you can do it! You know I’m obsessed with pull-ups. I get so many questions about them, so I mapped out my entire training plan that got me my first pull-up to help other women achieve theirs, too.
KM: I loved that post. I’m totally following your Pull-Up Playbook. I also just started pulling a sled, which I’ve never really done before. It’s been amazing.
LBP: For me, one of my next big goals is handstands. I’ve got the headstand down, but the level-up…
KM: Ooooh, we should work on that together. Handstands are all about a mix of strength, balance, and alignment drills. I think the core and shoulder stability from strength training will help you so much. We should do a collab on this.
Maybe we need a Best Case Scenario Strength Club…who’s in?
Thank you so much for reading. Subscribe to Kristin’s Substack to get to know her even better. And drop a comment below if you’re working on your first pull-up, healing your core postpartum, or thinking of making a professional pivot.
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