I’ll be honest. I love the gym, but sometimes I want results that don’t come with endless planks and squats. So when I heard about CoolTone, a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic muscle stimulation to tone, tighten, and strengthen key areas of the body, I had to try it.
The promise? Stronger, firmer muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or butt—no sweat required. Ahead of the CoolTone event at Life Time One Wall Street, I booked a few sessions to see whether this futuristic-sounding treatment actually worked.
What Is CoolTone?
CoolTone is a high-tech workout in a chair. Instead of lifting weights or hitting the treadmill, you lie down while a device delivers Active Magnetic Pulse (AMP) Technology directly to the muscles. These pulses stimulate powerful contractions that your body can’t achieve on its own.
“CoolTone is designed to induce strong, involuntary muscle contractions in the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs,” explains Dr. Terrence Keaney, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of SkinDC. “It works to tone, firm, and strengthen muscles. I’ve had patients tell me they were able to hold planks longer and even do up to 60% more crunches after completing treatment.”
Before the Class
Like any professional service, CoolTone starts with a consultation to see if you’re a good fit. Dr. Keaney explained that it’s most effective for people with low to moderate body fat. “Excess fat can reduce the intensity of stimulation and limit visibility of results,” he said. With that in mind, I booked a Pilates class at Life Time One Wall Street, where the CoolTone event was taking place. The studio was set to a crisp, cool temperature that instantly felt different from the sweaty group fitness classes I’m used to—a subtle nod to the “cool” in CoolTone.
During the Class
Once the session began, I understood why this pairing worked. Pilates is already about deep, controlled core engagement, but in the cooler studio, every movement felt sharper, more focused. Instead of overheating mid-workout, the chilled air seemed to help my muscles stay engaged longer without fatigue. It wasn’t painful or jarring—it just amplified the burn, almost like my abs were firing through extra sets of crunches without the usual sweat.
“The treatment feels like strong, repetitive muscle contractions,” Dr. Keaney told me when I asked how CoolTone compares. “It’s not painful, but it mimics the sensation of an intense workout. Most people compare it to post-exercise soreness afterward, which may last a few hours.” For me, the cool studio environment created a similar effect: the work felt intense but controlled, the kind of slow burn you know you’ll feel later.
After the Class
The best part? There was no downtime. I walked out of Life Time and straight into my day—no sweat-drenched clothes, no need for a shower. Later that afternoon, I felt the familiar tightness in my core, the kind that usually comes the morning after a tough workout. Staying hydrated and stretching lightly helped ease the sensation.
Results aren’t instant, but within a few days, my midsection felt firmer. Dr. Keaney reminded me that improvements typically show up two to four weeks into a full plan. “Results can last several months, but just like regular exercise, muscles lose tone if you don’t maintain them,” he explained. Translation: whether you’re doing reformer Pilates or booking your next CoolTone-inspired class, consistency is key.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most people undergo four to eight sessions over two to four weeks to kickstart their plan. After that, monthly maintenance sessions are common. “At my practice, we usually offer ongoing sessions once a month to support patients’ fitness goals,” says Dr. Keaney.
The Bottom Line
So, did it work? For me, yes. I felt firmer, more sculpted, and surprisingly motivated to complement the results with actual gym time. CoolTone won’t replace exercise or healthy habits, but it can amplify your efforts, giving you that extra boost when you’re stuck in a plateau.
As Dr. Keaney puts it: “CoolTone is most effective when paired with a healthy lifestyle. Think of it as a powerful supplement to your workouts, not a replacement.” Would I do it again? Absolutely. Sometimes, the best workout is the one you don’t have to sweat through.
Pairing CoolTone with a Pilates class in the cool, airy studio at Life Time One Wall Street made the results feel even more tangible—a reminder that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. As I left and headed to my hair appointment at Barberino’s Barber Shop, I could still feel that refreshing chill across my body, almost like I was walking on ice—grounded, toned, and revitalized.