From MTV to Peloton: Kristin McGee’s Journey in Yoga and Wellness
The founder of Peloton’s yoga classes discusses her training and wellness philosophy
Kristin McGee, founder of Peloton’s yoga programming and an established figure in low-impact workouts and mindfulness, began her career in New York City in the 1990s.
“When I was at NYU in the 90s, I discovered yoga,” she recalled. “I started practicing and teaching shortly after. Back then, I was teaching at health clubs like Equinox and Crunch.” Her introduction to Pilates came when she was frequently asked to sub classes. “I thought, ‘Okay, I better figure out what Pilates is,’ because yoga and Pilates were often lumped together back then,” she explained. “So, I got certified, and I loved it. They’re both fascinating mind-body workouts that complement each other beautifully.”
Her career took off when she became the face of MTV Yoga and MTV Pilates. “That was a game changer,” she said. “After that, I started working with celebrity clients, writing for fitness magazines, and even leading sessions on the Home Shopping Network.” She soon became an instructor to actors like Steve Martin, Tina Fey, and Emilia Clarke.
New Opportunities
In 2018, McGee saw an opportunity with Peloton and reached out to Robin Arzón. “I asked if they were considering incorporating yoga into their program, and that led to me launching Peloton’s yoga platform,” she shared. “It was incredible to combine my love for teaching with being on camera and reaching such a wide audience.”
While McGee enjoyed the reach of connected fitness, it was a shift from her in-person coaching. “When you’re working with someone in their home, you get immediate feedback—you can make adjustments, give them a hug after class, and connect on a personal level,” she explained. “With connected fitness, the feedback often comes later through messages or social media. It’s a different dynamic, but the ability to touch so many lives is amazing.”
After leaving Peloton, McGee moved back to Idaho to focus on her family and explore new opportunities. “I’m a single mom of three boys, and I wanted to create a good environment for them,” she says. She subsequently partnered with Chirp, a recovery brand whose products she had long personally used.
“Pain relief and recovery are so important,” she emphasized. “People often neglect that part of their fitness routine and end up with injuries or chronic pain. I love that Chirp creates tools that make recovery accessible and effective.”
Customization & Connections
McGee has been using Chirp products for years, particularly the Chirp Wheel. “I’ve had the Chirp Wheel for over six years—it’s amazing for opening up the back and improving posture,” she said. “Now, I’m obsessed with their new RPM rolling percussion massager. It’s like having a personal massage therapist, and it feels incredible.”
She also highlights the foot rollers as a personal favorite. “I went for a run recently and hurt the arch of my foot, so I’ve been using the foot rollers to massage it. They’re perfect for targeting specific areas,” she said.
McGee is a strong proponent of mindful movement and personalized fitness. “I’m currently working on a book about somatic movement, which is all about tuning into your body and moving intuitively,” she explained. “When you’re mindful of your body’s needs, you’re less likely to push past your limits and more likely to prevent injuries.”
She believes the future of fitness lies in customization. “There’s too much emphasis on blanket statements like ‘Everyone should lift weights’ or ‘Everyone should eat keto,’” she said. “Fitness and nutrition should be tailored to the individual. I’d love to create a platform that offers personalized programs based on each person’s needs.”
For those in the fitness industry, McGee’s advice is simple: “Stay curious, keep learning, and build connections,” she said. “The industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. Be confident, open doors for yourself, and don’t be afraid to create opportunities. There’s always a need for people who can inspire others to connect with their bodies and feel good.”