How Trump’s Tariffs Impact the Kids’ Fitness Industry—And How You Can Thrive

How Trump’s Tariffs Impact the Kids’ Fitness Industry—And How You Can Thrive

Recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are sending ripple effects through the economy, making parents more cautious about how they spend their money. With the rising cost of goods, families are adjusting their budgets—and that means extracurricular activities like kids’ fitness programs may feel the pinch.

But here’s the good news: as a fitness professional looking to work with kids, you can still build a thriving business. In fact, this economic shift presents a huge opportunity to offer high-value, low-cost programs that meet the needs of schools, parents, and communities.

If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your income, let’s break down what’s happening—and how you can take action today.

How the Economy is Shaping Parents’ Spending on Kids’ Activities

The new tariffs are increasing costs on essential goods, making it harder for families to stretch their income. Parents may cut back on “extras” like expensive kids' sports leagues, private lessons, and specialty classes.

But does that mean children will stop needing movement and play? Absolutely not. In fact, schools and community groups are actively seeking cost-effective fitness programs to fill the gap. This is where you come in.

Instead of relying on parents to directly pay for fitness programs, smart instructors are pivoting to group-based, school-funded, and community-backed programs that don’t require heavy financial investment from families.

How to build a Kids’ fitness business in a tight economy

Instead of worrying about parents tightening their wallets, you can shift your approach and build a profitable and impactful career as a kids' fitness instructor.

Here are three proven ways to make money in the kids' fitness industry—even when families are spending less:

1. Partner with Schools & Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) for After-School Programs

💡 Why it works: PACs (Parent Advisory Committees) are often in charge of funding after-school programs, and they’re looking for affordable, high-impact fitness options that serve large groups of kids.

How you can do it:

• Pitch your program to local schools and PACs as a fun, structured, and budget-friendly alternative to expensive extracurriculars.

• Offer a PL3Y-certified group program (like dance or yoga) that allows a high instructor-to-kid ratio, maximizing your income while keeping costs low.

• Provide a solution—instead of families paying per child, PACs can subsidize programs for the entire school.

🔥 Pro Tip: Schools LOVE fitness programs that require little-to-no equipment (no extra expenses!) and are easy to roll out in a gym or multi-purpose room.

2. Teach In-Person Group Classes in the Community

💡 Why it works: Parents may cut back on private lessons but still want their kids to stay active. Affordable group classes give them an option that provides high value at a lower cost.

How you can do it:

• Rent a local space (community centers, dance studios, or even outdoor parks!) to run DANCEPL3Y or YOGAPL3Y Kids Fitness classes that focus on movement, fun, and social interaction.

• Keep the price point family-friendly while increasing your profits by running larger groups.

• Offer flexible registration (drop-ins, class packs, or seasonal sessions) to make it easy for parents to say “yes.”

🔥 Pro Tip: Market your classes as a budget-friendly alternative to expensive sports programs. Show parents how your program gives kids exercise, social skills, and confidence—without breaking the bank.

3. Offer In-School Curriculum-Based Programs (Paid by the School)

💡 Why it works: School teachers are required to teach the Physical Education curriculum, but regardless of tariffs or not, the majority of teachers are very hesitant to teach their own dance lessons. 

How you can do it:

• Check out our PL3Y Education programs - these are curriculum-based dance and yoga lessons specifically designed to be taught in schools during instructional hours.  

• Schools often have special funding allocated for external service providers to come in and teach specialized subjects (like dance)—meaning you get paid directly by the school, not parents.

• Teachers appreciate the support with delivering their P.E. curriculum and PL3Y Education programs can fill that need during the school day.

🔥 Pro Tip: Many schools don’t know what’s available—be proactive and introduce yourself and this idea to principals, PE teachers, and school board members. (We promise you they’ll love it!) 😉

Why PL3Y-Certified Instructors Have the Advantage

If you want to stand out in the kids’ fitness industry, certification matters. Our PL3Y Instructor Certification gives you a turnkey, high-profit business model that works even in a tight economy.

✅ No expensive equipment needed—keep costs low and profits high.
✅ Scalable class sizes—increase earnings by teaching large groups.
✅ School & community-friendly—designed to fit into PAC funding, school curriculum, and local fitness programs.
✅ Tried and tested programs—PL3Y’s dance and yoga classes are fun, engaging, and proven to work.

The Opportunity is Now—Are You Ready?

Economic shifts don’t have to mean fewer opportunities. They just mean new strategies for success. Parents may be spending less, but schools and community organizations are still investing in kids’ fitness—and you can position yourself as the go-to instructor.

By becoming a PL3Y Certified Instructor, you’ll have everything you need to launch your kids' fitness business, increase your income, and make a difference in your community.

If you’re ready to take action, now’s the time to get certified and start growing your business—because kids need movement now more than ever.