Three individuals engaging in different fitness activities at Aggie Fit, including weightlifting and body lift exercises, under the banner 'I Tried Aggie Fit, Strong, & Performance'.

I tried Aggie Fit, Aggie Strong, and Aggie Performance

Here’s How It Went

If you’ve ever felt lost in the gym, unsure of how to make real progress, or just needed a little extra motivation, Texas A&M Rec Sports’ small group training programs might be exactly what you need. Aggie Fit, Aggie Strong, and Aggie Performance each offer a structured, guided approach to training—whether you want to build endurance, increase strength, or enhance athletic performance.

I signed up for all three to see what they were really like. Here’s what I learned:

Aggie Fit

Aggie Fit is designed to improve endurance, strength, and overall fitness. Each session combines strength training with high-intensity cardio, using kettlebells, medicine balls, cable machines, and more across various exercises. The goal? To keep you moving and push your limits.

My first class started with a warmup that was like a workout in itself. We moved quickly between stations, incorporating everything from chest presses to short bursts of cardio. The session rotated through nine total exercises—three in the first block of rotation, three in the second, and three in an as-many-reps-as-possible finisher. The pace was fast, but the coaches kept the energy high, offering modifications for different fitness levels.

One thing I appreciated about Aggie Fit was the focus on both strength and endurance—you’re not just lifting weights, but also improving your ability to keep going. By the end, I was definitely feeling the workout, but I also felt accomplished.

Person exercises using suspension straps at a gym, assisted by an instructor.
Fitness instructor pointing towards a workout plan written on a whiteboard in a gym.
Three people stretching in a gym, with one person wearing an Adidas shirt leading the exercise.

Aggie Strong

If you’re looking to improve your strength and confidence in the weight room, Aggie Strong is the class for you. This program emphasizes lifting heavier weights with proper form, using barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and sandbags to build muscle and strength.

From the start, the instructor encouraged us to challenge ourselves with weight selection while maintaining good technique. The workout included compound lifts like squats and Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), along with accessory exercises that targeted different muscle groups.

What stood out to me was how structured the session was—rather than randomly picking up weights at the gym, we had a clear progression and expert guidance. It made lifting feel approachable, even for those who don’t typically spend time in the free weight area.

By the end of class, I felt stronger, though I also started mentally preparing for the inevitable next-day soreness.

Person performing suspension training exercise in the Personal Training Suite within the Strength & Conditioning room.
Three individuals participate in an Aggie Strong class in the Personal training suite, with one person practices body lifts under the supervision of a coach, while another observes. A whiteboard in the background displaying the class movements.
Person performing bench press with a barbell at a gym.

Aggie Performance

As the newest small group training offering, Aggie Performance takes fitness to the next level with a focus on speed, agility, and explosive movements. Unlike the other two programs, this one is held outdoors on the turf at Southside Rec Center, adding an extra challenge to the workout.

The class incorporated sprint drills, lateral movements, and plyometric exercises to improve reaction time and overall athletic ability. It felt like the type of training college athletes might do—and for a brief moment, I could pretend I was one, too.

Focusing on power and explosiveness forced me to use the muscles I usually ignore when I’m just repping it out. By putting everything I had into each movement, I was really able to see where my strength was and make each exercise count. Everything else, from sprints to bike sets to farmer’s carries, kept me moving and my heart rate up.

The outdoor setting added an extra challenge, but it was also a fun change of pace from a traditional gym environment. The workout was intense, but the group setting kept the energy high, making it easier to push through.

Individual in the foreground displaying hand movements for the workout with another individual displaying hand movements overhead in a gym setting.
A group of three individuals exercising on the outdoor turf and the Southside Rec with dumbbells, one seated on a bench lifting weights overhead while two others perform exercises beside them.

Final Thoughts: Is Small Group Training Worth It?

After trying all three programs, I can confidently say that small group training offers a unique and valuable workout experience. The structured programming, expert coaching, and supportive environment make it a great option for anyone looking to improve their fitness—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gym-goer.

Each program has its own focus:

  • Aggie Fit is ideal for those who want to build endurance while incorporating strength training.
  • Aggie Strong is perfect for those looking to get more comfortable with heavier lifts and proper form.
  • Aggie Performance is great for developing athletic skills, speed, and explosiveness.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll walk away stronger, more confident, and maybe just a little sore.

If you’re interested, you can sign up for package 2 now on the Strength & Conditioning website or in the app. Just be prepared to put in the work—and maybe schedule a rest day afterward.

Written by: Claire Frazier