January is the Super Bowl of the fitness world. And without t-shirts, did it even happen?

New members are motivated. Regulars are locked in. And gym challenges? They’re everywhere—for good reason. They drive attendance, accountability, and community fast.

But here’s what separates a good challenge from a memorable one:
custom gym t-shirts members actually want to wear.

Let’s break down the most popular January gym challenges—and the t-shirt designs that make them work harder for your gym.

Why Custom Gym T-Shirts Matter for January Challenges

flatlay image of folded shirts, each with a customizable gym shirt design on it.

A good challenge gets people in the door.
A great t-shirt keeps them talking long after January ends.

Custom gym t-shirts:

  • Create buy-in from day one
  • Build community inside your gym
  • Turn members into brand ambassadors
  • Make your challenge feel official—not thrown together

And when the design is right, it never feels salesy.

1. 30-Day Fitness or Habit Challenges

shirt flatlay showing a t-shirt with a customizable wavy text design that says "it's a good day to do a push-up challenge"

The vibe: Consistency. Progress. Showing up even when motivation dips.

T-shirt design tips:

  • Clean, minimal typography
  • Bold but simple phrases like:
    • “30 Days Strong”
    • “Earned, Not Given”
  • Small front chest logo, larger back design

These work great with soft, lightweight tees that members will actually rewear.

2. Transformation Challenges

shirt flatlay showing a t-shirt with a customizable design with a skeleton deadlifting that says "killing it in the gym. year. your gym name. deadlift challenge."

The vibe: Before & after. Pride. Personal wins.

T-shirt design tips:

  • Strong, empowering messaging or images
  • High-contrast designs that photograph well
  • Year or challenge name included (people love commemorative details)

Think shirts members keep—not toss.

3. Fun and Funny Designs (Because Not Everything Has to Be So Serious)

shirt flatlay showing a t-shirt with a customizable dungeons and dragons inspired design that says "dumbbells and dragons. the original swole playing game. your gym name."

The vibe: Fun, approachable, slightly unhinged—in a good way.

January gyms are full of motivation… and intimidation. Cartoon-style challenges flip the script. They make fitness feel accessible, lighthearted, and less scary for people who are just getting back into it.

Think playful illustrations over hardcore intensity.

T-shirt design tips:

  • Illustrated characters (cartoons, skeletons, mascots)
  • Simple line art or bold, flat graphics
  • One clear visual + minimal text

Popular directions gym owners love:

  • Skeletons lifting weights (“Still Going.”)
  • Cartoon characters mid-struggle
  • Playful takes on soreness, rest days, or motivation

These designs instantly stand out—and they don’t take themselves too seriously.

4. Gym Identity & Community Tees

shirt flatlay showing a t-shirt with a customizable wavy text design that says "anti social lifting club. your gym name."

The vibe: Belonging, pride, and “this is my gym.”

T-shirt design tips:

  • Gym name, nickname, or established phrase
  • Simple logo-forward layouts or bold typography
  • “Crew,” “Member,” “Built Here,” or “Est. [Year]” messaging
  • Classic, wearable colors (black, white, vintage gray, washed neutrals)

These tees go beyond workouts—they’re worn everywhere because they represent community, not just fitness.

5. Just-Show-Up (a.k.a. Real Life) Challenges

shirt flatlay showing a t-shirt with a customizable design with a dumbbell that says "eat. sleep. pump iron. repeat. your gym name."

The vibe: Consistency over perfection. Laughing through the soreness. Showing up counts.

Not every January challenge needs to be intense or intimidating. Some of the most successful gym challenges are built around one simple goal: come in regularly and don’t quit.

This is where a little humor goes a long way—especially for new or returning members.

T-shirt design tips:

  • Light, relatable humor
  • Short, wearable phrases
  • Clean typography over loud graphics

Think:

  • “I Showed Up.”
  • “This Was a January Decision.”
  • “Still Sore.”
  • “Ask Me in February.”

These shirts feel inclusive, low-pressure, and fun—which makes members way more likely to wear them outside the gym.

Image of a girl wearing a custom gym t-shirt while deadlifting

What Makes a Custom Gym T-Shirt Members Love (Not Just Accept)

Here’s what actually matters:

  • Fit & feel: Soft tees > stiff shirts that live in a drawer
  • Simple design: If it looks like a free shirt, it’ll get treated like one
  • Subtle branding: Your logo doesn’t need to scream
  • Wearability: Can they wear it to Target and the gym?

If the answer is yes, you’ve nailed it.

Why January Is the Best Time to Invest in Custom Gym T-Shirts

January members are:

  • More motivated
  • More social
  • More likely to share progress online

Which means your custom gym t-shirts get:

  • More visibility
  • More organic social content
  • More long-term value

A single well-designed shirt can outlast a month-long ad campaign.

Ready to Create Custom Gym T-Shirts for Your January Challenge?

Whether you’re running a 30-day challenge, a transformation program, or a team-based push, the right shirt makes it feel official—and unforgettable.

👉 Explore our gym t-shirt templates
👉 Check out our new custom gym designs built for challenges and community

Because the best marketing your gym has?
Members who want to wear your brand.