If you have little ones, preteens or teenagers that grew up in the Bucks County area, chances are you’ve met YOYO at a local family friendly event (or a few!). Whether in a field at Burpee Park, the children’s section of the Langhorne Library or at a big festival like the Doylestown Arts Fest, YOYO can usually be spotted sporting her signature bright yellow pants and a t shirt covered in bananas surrounded by children as she plays her ukulele, or raises a parachute excitedly into the air. YOYO’s goal is more than just fun, it’s a focus on kids fitness.

Yvonne Kusters, the woman behind Go With YOYO, has been performing interactive playful shows in front of thousands of children around Bucks, as well as nationally for more than 15 years. A children’s entertainer, author, fitness expert, musician and creator of exercise, yoga and dance videos, YOYO empowers children to be both physically healthy and mentally fit through play.

“Kids love to call me YOYO – because that’s what I like to do – go up and down and spin all around!” says Kusters, who lives in Doylestown with her family.

Kusters’s goal is to keep kids involved and entertained from start to finish. She achieves this by bringing fun props (giant parachute, scarves, pom-poms, bubbles, stuffed animals, shakers, hula-hoops and more) along with live music and original songs into her shows, which are often free and open to the public.

From The Beginning

Kusters began her fitness journey 20 years ago when she became a nationally-certified fitness professional. “I started off teaching fitness classes in college and then trained clients full-time as a fitness professional and just loved creating playful exercises and connecting everyone together,” she shares. Her playful attitude made for an easy transition to working with kids. Since then, Kusters has worked with big brands like PBS, Amazon, Walmart, Youtube, Epic, & Common Sense Media.

A Dedication to Kids Health and Fitness

As a mom and a passionate fitness enthusiast, the importance of children’s health and fitness resonates deeply with Kusters.

“The benefits of instilling healthy habits in our children extend far beyond the playground; they set the stage for a fulfilling, well-rounded life. As children explore the world through movement—be it running, jumping, dancing, or even playing team sports—they are not only strengthening their bodies but their minds as well” says Kusters. The fitness instructor is well-versed in the link between physical and mental health. “Physical activity releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. These hormones help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of well-being and resilience among young ones. Focusing on a child’s physical and mental well-being is not merely a concern of today; it lays the groundwork for a lifetime of health, happiness, and confidence.”

Bucks County’s Own “Miss Rachel”

YOYO has an energetic and bubbling personality, similar to Youtube Star and children’s educator Miss Rachel (and, like Miss Rachel, she also runs a Youtube Channel).

In fact, just last year Kusters was invited by Youtube to do a live event in Washington, D.C. “Afterwards,  they told me this was the second time they did this,  and last year they invited Miss Rachel. I’m grateful to be connecting, inspiring and playing with kiddos locally and around the world, just like Miss Rachel,” said Kusters. Kusters also looks to many other creators who are inspiring kids to cook, create, learn and try hard things as role models.

A Program for Fellow Fitness Instructors

About twelve years ago, Kusters founded The GO With YOYO Kids Fitness Program. Known as LET’s PLAY TODAY, the program has helped others start teaching kids fitness internationally in over 11 countries. “Teaching it has been a blast. It has been easier than I thought it would be. I have had students go home singing the songs from the GO!GO!GO! Cd and telling their parents how much they enjoy the p.e. class. Thanks for putting together a fitness curriculum for children that’s fun and affordable,” says Kids Fitness Instructor J. Lekessia.

By incorporating play into every session, the program captures the essence of childhood joy and exploration. “GO with YOYO recognizes that children learn best when they’re having fun,” says Kusters. With a unique approach that blends fun fitness activities, playful yoga, mindfulness exercises, and dance, GO with YOYO ensures that kids are not only building strong bodies but also resilient minds. Activities are crafted to stimulate imagination and creativity, helping kids associate movement with enjoyment rather than obligation.

What’s Next for YOYO?

2025 is going to be another exciting year for Kusters. She plans on “focusing on more live active events for families, new fitness video collaborations, workshops for teachers to implement active strategies in the classroom and coaching other fitness professionals to start teaching kids fitness!”

 Tips for Parents

One of the best ways to motivate kids to exercise is to turn it into a family activity, says Kusters. This not only fosters family bonding but also sets a healthy example for your kids. “When children see their parents being active, they are more likely to want to participate!”  Kusters also suggests creating an active play area in your house (think hopscotch mats, mini trampolines and indoor obstacle courses) as well as getting outside every day with your kids. “Outings that include hiking, biking, playing games in the park, scooters, hula-hoops, etc. are easy ways to play together!” she shares. For more fun and active ideas to play, follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Go With YOYO