Advertisements for gyms usually feature nubile young women and buff guys to entice you to join. The hidden message is that you, too, can look like these models of slender sexuality if you simply work out.

But if the truth be told, a large percentage of Michael’s Body Scenes’ members are middle aged.

“About a third of our members are over 40,” says Michael Papamichael, co-owner.

And, as I am writing this, my sciatic nerve is screaming, my inner thighs are still sore from Andi’s body sculpting class four days ago, and my forearm is tender from playing tennis.

These things didn’t happen to me twenty years ago when I first started exercising and they certainly didn’t happen in my 20’s.

A friend of mine who is a marathon runner has seen her time noticeably slow down since she hit the big 50-OH. Her son has a theory that if you continue to exercise the same way each day, you can workout ‘till your ninety.

Poor naïve boy…He doesn’t realize that as we age, even if the mind is willing and able, your body DOES change and you have to honor and respect those changes to avoid injury. (The exception to this rule is our own Pam Geronemus who seems to defy the aging process.)

I am amazed at how many senior exercisers enjoy MBS and continue to perform at incredible levels—like Barry, Arlene and Joyce-- who still take the “tough” classes like Abbie and Steve’s step aerobics and Michael’s cardio workouts!

“My over forty crowd is very committed to their work outs,” says Michael Papamichael, co-owner of MBS. “I borrowed that line from the Keanu Reeves movie in which he coached inner city kids who were really, really poor ball players. He pumped them up by saying how blown away he was with their ability to show up!”

Papamichael points out that although senior exercisers may be prone to more aches and pains, the tradeoff is well worth it.

“There have been so many studies to show that exercise staves off heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some forms of cancer,” he says. “You need to create a harmony and balance in your exercise program so that you do not over stress your joints.”

Iris Feingold recently joined MBS and was shocked at the supportive atmosphere of the gym—especially for older exercisers.

“I thought Michael’s was all about the young hard bodies,” she said. “I was nervous that an older, out of shape person like me would feel comfortable.

“But everyone has been so helpful. I’m doing things I’d never thought possible.”

It’s never too late to start and exercise program, say the experts, and there’s no telling how far you can go once you get started.

“There are no limitations for seniors,” says Chuck Wong Chong, a most knowledgeable trainer at MBS. “As long as you respect your body and listen to its signals, there is no reason that a senior can’t keep on running, playing tennis and enjoying the sports of his or her youth.”

Chuck says that seniors should work on their flexibility because as we get older, we lose flexibility and become more prone to injuries such as muscle spasms and pulls.

He adds that core training, working your abdominals as well as the stabilizing muscles around the pelvic girdle is essential.

“Take yoga or a Pilates class and you’ll develop those muscles safely,” he says.

Strength training has long been known to offset osteoporosis.

“We’ve had many clients reverse osteoporosis,” says Chuck and Allison Geller, an excellent trainer who has many specialized clients.

“I’m a firm advocate of moderation,” Geller says. “Keep exercise simple and fun. Concentrate on the social aspect as well as the physical.”

Geller points out that when our senior fitness group, the Silver Sneakers, began, the participants gathered outside the class and talked about their doctors’ appointments.

“Now they talk about their kids, their exercise, how many miles they walked on the treadmill—it changed their lives,” she says.

Both Allison and Chuck stress that good nutrition and rest should be important components of an over 50 lifestyle.

“You need to allow your body to recover,” says Chuck.

“I’m not going to change a senior person’s lifestyle by dictating what or when he or she should eat,” says Geller. “But nutrition is an important part of your fitness plan and I will make suggestions on how to modify your own eating plan.”

Geller says that her most challenging issue with the over 50 crowd is alcohol. (Whoops, she must have checked my pantry!)

Andrea Contant reveals she’ll be 41 and is very aware of the changes in her body.

“I continue to challenge myself but I respect my limitations,” says Contant, who is in remarkable shape despite severe physical injuries.

Contant says it’s important to start a program slowly and work up gradually.

“Start with walking a mere 10 minutes a day,” the expert says. “Work up to 45 minutes three or four times a week. Then start adding strength training under the supervision of a trainer.”

Lydia Schoenfeld teaches Silver Sneakers, a very active group at MBS.

“I think that seniors today are far more active and healthy than they were 10 years ago,” Schoenfeld, a highly qualified instructor says. “They know that the benefits of exercise not only improve their overall health, but their entire lifestyle.”

Personally, I love it when I see the silver haired folks at the club show up tanned, fit and looking strong.

“There’s nothing you can’t accomplish when you put your mind to it,” says Chuck Wong. “Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed and you will. It’s never to late!”