One glimpse around Fitness Ranes Training Studio and you might mistake the place for a torture chamber. Ropes hang from the ceiling and metal contraptions surround the room.

During my recent visit a dozen athletes, mixed-martial arts fighters and everyday folk were waiting eagerly to jump in and let the torture begin.

The sessions include circuit training and intervals of high- and low-intensity workouts. I made it through the circuits but sat out during the intervals to catch my breath. The good news: I didn’t throw up and I didn’t pass out as I had feared I would during the session.

The warmup had us jumping in and out of agility ladders placed on the ground. The circuits were nonstop with eight to nine different stations. We did side hurdles, pushups, squats, "burpees," stationary bike, running in place or jumping onto the zooming treadmill. A TRX Suspension Trainer to work the upper body and a Jacobs Ladder climbing treadmill were added to the mix.

The group performed each high-intensity exercise in the circuit for about 25 seconds with 15-second breaks in between. According to Ranes, the quick pace doesn’t allow the body to recover from the previous burst of activity, thus burning more calories than it would if working at a steady rate over for a longer period of time. The intervals included similar exercises along with pushing and pulling a weight sled. During interval training, participants worked with partners, focusing on one particular exercise that challenged the entire body and reducing the intensity for set intervals of time as opposed to the multistation circuit training.

I’d never done a burpee, which was much harder than expected. The four-count movement starts in a standing position. Drop to a squat, extend your feet behind you to a straight, plank position, return to the squat position and then stand upright. I don’t think I squeezed many of these into the 25-second time limit.

Jacobs Ladder was another new experience for me. The self-powered ladder is angled at 40 degrees and allows the user to continually climb at his own pace, using his body weight to keep the rungs moving.

Ranes, whose inspiring story includes an amazing recovery from a critical motorcycle accident, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable going through the circuit. He offered low-impact versions of the exercises and other accommodations for someone who wasn’t in the best shape.

"We keep everyone in check and push each other," said Erik Gonsalves, a mixed martial arts fighter. "I came to lose weight. I want this to push me to another level."

Sunny Ko, a nonathlete who was just looking to get fit, has been going to the studio for a little over a month. "I was bored with my routine. I’d go to the gym and yoga classes but wanted to add something different to the mix," she said. "There are mostly guys in the class, and I like that. It pushes me to work harder — to push through mental barriers."

I must admit I probably wouldn’t have considered taking this type of challenging class if not for the "Tryouts" column. But now that I’ve checked it out, I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking to shake up their workout routine. Everyone in the class was welcoming and friendly. Even the MMA dudes gave me support.

"I’ve had MMA friends come in here and leave because they needed to throw up," said MMA fighter Justin Konia. "Everyone needs to start somewhere. You did good."

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Tryouts features exercise and wellness classes and other fitness activities. Reach Nancy Arcayna at narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.