Why Tariffs Are Messing With Your Gains (Yes, Even If You Hate Politics)

It doesn't matter if you're pro-Trump, anti-Trump, or couldn’t care less about politics—when it comes to tariffs, one thing is crystal clear: you’re going to pay more. And not just for gas or groceries. We're talking about your gym membership, your supplements, and even the electricity powering your workouts.

Let’s break it down.

Tariffs Don’t Just Hit "Countries"—They Hit You

Some people still think tariffs are something foreign countries pay. But here's the truth: businesses pass those added costs right down the chain—straight to you and me, the consumers. Tariffs are just a sneaky tax on our everyday lives.

Your Gym Is Feeling the Heat

If you lift, train, or even just hit the treadmill a few times a week, you’re already part of this equation. Gym owners are facing increased costs for equipment, cleaning supplies, utilities, and even routine maintenance—most of which involve imported goods or services.

That $39/month membership? Don’t be surprised if it ticks up to $49 soon. It’s not because your gym suddenly got greedy. It’s because operating costs are rising fast, and tariffs are one of the culprits.

Supplements? Yeah, They’re Going Up Too

Let’s be real—almost none of your favorite supplement brands actually manufacture their products in the U.S. It’s just too expensive. The ingredients, packaging, even the machinery—it’s all imported.

So what happens when tariffs kick in? You’re looking at an extra 10–25% on your protein powders, creatine, BCAAs, pre-workouts, and everything else in your stack. Suddenly, chasing those gains comes with a heftier price tag.

Energy Costs Could Spike (Especially in the Northeast)

If you're in the Northeastern U.S., your electricity might come from Canada, particularly Ontario. With trade tensions heating up, even that cross-border energy is no longer safe from economic crossfire. You could see those rates climb, especially during peak demand seasons—meaning your gym’s electric bill goes up, and again, so does your membership cost.

And Don’t Count on Prices Coming Back Down

Let’s get one thing straight: even if tariffs are lifted, most companies won’t suddenly drop prices. Why would they? Once consumers are used to paying more, corporations are happy to let that margin ride. In other words, corporate greed doesn’t reverse itself just because the economy does.

The Bottom Line

Politics might seem like something that lives on cable news and Twitter. But economic policy—especially tariffs—hits you right where it hurts: your wallet, your gym routine, and your gains.

Whether you love Trump, hate him, or are totally indifferent, this isn’t about sides. It’s about being aware. Because the next time you feel sticker shock on your whey protein, you’ll know it wasn’t just inflation—it was policy.

Coach Greg Nagaye MS, CSCS

IFBB Pro