The Best Merch Ideas for Coaches, Trainers, & Fitness Studios
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 04-09-2025
Whether you’re running a fitness studio, coaching a team, or training clients one-on-one, custom merch is a game-changer. It’s not just about branding—it’s about building community, motivating clients, and creating an identity that people are proud to rep.
If you’re looking for the best merch ideas for your gym, training program, or coaching business, here’s what will actually get worn (and not just stuffed in a gym bag).
1. Performance Tees & Tanks
No one wants to gym in a stiff, tight-top shirt. Smooth, ventilated workout tops and tanks are the ticket to fitness wear. Choose lightweight material like poly-blends or dri-fit designs that draw sweat away from the body without impeding movement.
Insider tip: Streamline it and keep it simple—large lettering, modest chest logo, or motivational quote look great.
2. Hoodies & Zip-Ups for Everyday Wear
A high-end quarter-zip or hoodie is the kind of product people actually wear. Perfect for warm-ups, cool-downs, or even just running errands, a well-designed hoodie puts your brand in the game all year round.
Tip: Embroidered logos on a plain-colored hoodie (black, gray, navy) convey that high-end, team-inspired feel.
3. Branded Hats & Beanies
Headgear is probably the most budget-friendly merch option with lots of exposure—whether it's a classic dad cap, a snapback with ventilation, or a cozy beanie in winter.
Tip: Opt for embroidery here—understated and neat. Go for simple logos or initials to give a streetwear-chic vibe.
4. Gym Bags & Backpacks
Your customers are lugging gear, shoes, and supplements—so why not send them off with a branded bag to put it in? A quality duffel, sling bag, or drawstring gym bag makes it convenient for them to be walking around promoting your brand outside of the gym.
Tip: Keep it minimal branding and high-end materials—this prevents it from looking like a giveaway bag and makes it something people will actually use.
5. Water Bottles & Protein Shaker Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential, and branded water bottles or protein shakers are maybe one of the most handy gym merchandise items available. Your customers will use them in the gym, at the office, and on-the-go, exposing your brand to new eyes repeatedly.
Tip: Stainless steel bottles are slightly more premium and rugged than thinner plastic bottles.
6. Sweatbands, Wristbands & Recovery Tools
Sometimes the smallest merch items make the biggest impression. Branded foam rollers, cold towels, and wristbands put your logo into play with every workout.
Tip: These make great bonus gifts for new members, event rewards, or loyalty incentives.
Merch That Works as Hard as Your Clients
Good fitness merch is not just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt—it's about creating gear that humans actually wear, both on and off the gym floor. Is it a sweat-wicking training tee, your go-to hoodie, or a functional gym bag? Wearability and quality must always come first.