How This Grandpa Got a Six-Pack at 61 and Made His Doctor Speechless

4/26/2026 - By Thomas R.

NOTE: Most fitness devices deliver weak, surface-level pulses that fade after a few uses. But real muscle transformation requires deep, repeated contractions that reach the fibers traditional exercise often misses. That's why cheap EMS pads fail — they lose power and can't sustain the activation your muscles need. Devices like the NextGen Ultra Stimulator™ deliver over 600 deep contractions per session, which is essential for building real, visible definition — at any age.

–  Dr. Alan Mercer, PhD, Sports Medicine Researcher and Aging Physiology Specialist

My granddaughter said something last summer that I still think about every day.

We were at the community pool. She was five. She ran up to me, poked my stomach, and said,

She was five. She ran up to me, poked my stomach, and said,

"Pop Pop, why is your belly so squishy?"

She didn't mean anything by it.

She was just being a kid.

But I stood there in my swim trunks, surrounded by other families, and I felt something I hadn't felt in years.

Shame.

I'm 61 years old. And until recently, I had completely given up on my body.

I'd been heavy my whole adult life.

Not obese — just soft.

The kind of guy who always wore an XL.

Who always kept his shirt on at the beach.

Who sucked in his gut in every photo.

I figured that was just how I was built.

And after I turned 60, I stopped caring altogether.

I was a grandpa now.

Nobody expects a grandpa to have a flat stomach.

But my granddaughter's little comment sat with me. And it wasn't just that.

My doctor had been on my case for two years straight.

"Thomas, your blood pressure is getting worse. Your cholesterol is climbing.

You're pre-diabetic. We need to talk about medication."

I was on three pills already. I didn't want a fourth.

I knew I needed to move. I knew I needed to change. But every time I tried, my body fought me.

The gym wasn't an option. My body made sure of that.

I tried jogging around my neighborhood.

Made it six houses before my right knee locked up.

I limped home.

I bought a set of dumbbells from Walmart.

Did a few curls and shoulder presses.

Threw my back out the same week and spent three days on the couch with a heating pad.

I tried one of those chair yoga programs on YouTube.

It was fine.

But after four weeks, nothing had changed.

Not my weight.

Not my stomach.

Not my numbers.

My wife suggested a personal trainer.

I looked one up. "$75 per session, minimum three sessions a week."

That's $900 a month.

On a pension.

With a granddaughter I'm helping put through daycare.

Not happening.

So I did what I always did.

I told myself it didn't matter.

That I was too old.

That the ship had sailed.

And I almost believed it.

You've got to be fucking kidding me

"So what, I'm just broken now?!" I asked, practically shouting at this point.

"No, you're not broken.

This is very common. And it can be treated" She said.

"Once we get this solved, it'll help you to slowly start to feeling like yourself again."

"So you're saying that a weak core is the reason I feel like a stranger in my own body?" I asked.

"Partially, yes. Let me explain...

Your body has just undergone one of the most extreme transformations any human body can possibly go through.

While you were pregnant:

• Your abs stretched out

• Your rib cage expanded

• Your pelvis shifted

• Your organs moved

• And your deep core muscles slowly switched off to make room for your baby

It's not your fault. Your body does this automatically to protect your baby." She continued.

"And when your deep core muscles become weakened, your body starts over-compensating by:

• Overusing your low back for everything

• Forcing your hips and thighs to do the work your core used to do

This is why I've heard so many new moms say things like:

'Picking up my toddler feels like a workout'

'My back spasms when I stand too long doing the dishes'

'Every time I try to workout my core just gives up'

'My legs shake when going up the stairs'

It's because the connection between your mind and deep core has weakened.

And without that connection, it can be difficult to build back core strength on your own.

It’s kinda like if you lived in a house where the floor was constantly moving. You'd walk into your living room and then *woosh* the floor moves.

And then it happens again...

And again...

AND again...

and It never stops.

You never feel physically stable.

So then it's no wonder something feels 'off' emotionally. I mean that would drive anyone crazy." She said.

I just sat there staring blankly

"Emily,” she said gently, “what people sometimes forget is that emotional symptoms can often be directly influenced by physical ones.

When your deep core shuts down, your entire body loses its anchor. That shaky, unstable feeling you’ve been describing?

Your brain may be interpreting that as a threat. Not a big threat, just a constant, subtle sense that something is ‘off.’

Feeling physically disconnected from your core can often show up as feeling 'disconnected from yourself' emotionally.

It's not the only cause of course. There are other influences like your hormones, sleep schedule, diet etc.

But it's important to remember:

You’re not being dramatic.

You’re not being hard on yourself.

Your body’s physical stability and emotional stability are often connected.

When one is thrown off, the other one tends to follow.

And that mind-body disconnect is often why many post-partum women say:

Then my neighbor Bill changed everything.

Bill is 64. Retired postal worker. Big guy his whole life — bigger than me, honestly.

I hadn't seen him in a few weeks because he'd been visiting his daughter out of state.

When he came back and walked over to grab his mail, I barely recognized him.

His face was thinner.

His arms had shape.

And his gut — the gut that used to hang over his belt — was gone.

I walked over to his driveway and said,

"Bill. What happened to you?"

He smiled, lifted his shirt, and I swear to God — this 64-year-old retired mailman had a flat stomach with actual lines on it.

I almost dropped my coffee.

"You're not gonna believe what I've been doing," he said.

He went inside and came back out holding a small black device that looked like a wide belt pad.

"Twenty minutes a day. That's all I do. I sit in my chair and let this thing work."

That device was called the NextGen Ultra Stimulator.

And looking back, it definitely started to affect my confidence.

I didn’t feel strong, and because of that, I didn’t really feel like me.

But here’s what surprised me…”

She leaned in slightly

“As my core started to wake back up, I slowly started to feel physically stronger.

Even if it was just a little.

And feeling strong again, started to give me hope.

Hope that maybe I could start to feel like the woman I used feel like before giving birth.

At the time, I didn’t even realize how much my confidence was influenced by feeling capable in my own body." She finished.

I sat there, frozen, eyes blinking slowly

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to cry or exhale.

“That makes sense.” I said quietly.

“But, how did you get to the point where you started to feel like yourself again? What changed?” I asked.

“Well, firstly." she took in a deep breath "It's important to understand that....

"You're not weak. Your muscles just think you're still pregnant."

Bill explained it in plain English — no fancy science talk.

"It sends little electric pulses into your muscles. Makes them squeeze over and over again. Like doing a thousand crunches without getting on the floor."

The NextGen Ultra Stimulator uses clinically proven EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) technology. It sends gentle electrical pulses directly into your muscles, triggering deep, powerful contractions — the same kind your body produces during intense exercise.

Deep Muscle Activation: A single 20-minute session triggers over 600 muscle contractions — the equivalent of more than 3,000 crunches. Without bending, straining, or putting any pressure on your joints.

Built For Any Level: Choose from 12 training modes and 19 intensity levels. Start on level 1 if you need to. The device meets you exactly where you are.

No gym.

No weights.

No getting on the floor.

No strain on your knees, back, or shoulders.

The part that sold me?

Bill said he does his sessions in his recliner every morning while watching the Weather Channel. Hasn't missed a day in five months.

For the first time, in a long time, I began to feel hope.

Maybe I wasn't just 'out of shape'.

Maybe I didn't just 'let myself go'.

And maybe, motherhood didn't 'change me forever'.

If what she was saying is true, then feeling re-connected to my deep core could be the start of finally feeling like myself again.

“So then… how do I strengthen my core if my mind doesn't know how to activate it? I asked.

Now — I've been around long enough to know that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

I've bought the junk.

The ab roller that's been collecting dust in my garage since 2007.

The vibrating belt from a late-night infomercial.

The resistance bands I used once and shoved in a drawer.

I'm not a sucker. I'm a skeptic.

But Bill was standing in front of me, 64 years old, looking like a different person.

And the device had a 60-day money-back guarantee.

So I figured — what do I have to lose except my gut?

I ordered it that night.

Week 1 — I strapped it on and started at level 2. My stomach tightened in a way it hadn't in years. Not painful — just firm. Like something woke up in there. The next morning I was sore. Actually sore. Like I'd done something.

Week 2 — Moved up to level 5. The contractions were deeper now. I could feel my core engaging even when the device was off. My posture felt different. My wife said I was standing straighter.

Week 3 — I looked in the mirror before my shower and paused. My belly was smaller. Not gone — but smaller. The shape was different. Something was happening.

Week 5 — My pants were loose. I punched a new hole in my belt. My wife grabbed my arm at the grocery store and said, "Tom, are you losing weight?"

Week 8 — I lifted my shirt in the bathroom mirror and saw something I had never seen in 61 years of life. Lines. Actual abdominal definition. Faint, but real. I stood there for two full minutes just staring.

Week 10 — I had my checkup.

My doctor pulled up my chart, looked at my numbers, and then looked at me. Then back at the chart. Then back at me.

"Thomas… your blood pressure is down. Your glucose is down. Your weight is down fourteen pounds. What are you doing?"

I told him.

He leaned back in his chair and said,

"Whatever it is, don't stop. I haven't seen numbers like this from you in a decade."

I drove home and cried in my driveway.

Here's why nothing else worked for me, and probably hasn't worked for you either.

Most fitness equipment is designed for people who are already in shape.

Gym machines assume you have healthy joints.

Workout videos assume you can get on the floor and do a burpee.

Running assumes your knees aren't held together with prayers and ibuprofen.

If you're over 50, overweight, or dealing with joint issues, the traditional path to fitness isn't just hard, it's often impossible.

The NextGen Ultra Stimulator is different because it does the work without the strain.

No impact on your joints. No stress on your back. No getting down on the floor and hoping you can get back up.

It sends deep, powerful contractions directly into your muscles, the kind of activation that would normally require hundreds of crunches, while you sit still.

"So it's an electric shock?!" I said with a slight gasp.

She shook her head

"So if it's not a shock, then what does it feel like?" I asked.

"It feels just like getting a workout in." she replied.

She leaned back with a slight smile

It’s kinda like jump-starting a car.

The battery isn’t broken, it just needs that little extra boost to get going.

But once the car is running, your battery begins to charge again on it's own.

Now I had even more questions

"What is the actual science behind that?" I asked, cautiously.

"EMS works by mimicking the same electrical signals your brain uses to trigger muscular contractions". She replied.

"And we'll use it to rebuild your mind-body connection that got disrupted during pregnancy.

So you can start to feel safe in your own body again." she finished.

I still felt unsure.

“What if I’m one of those women who just, doesn’t respond to anything?” I admitted quietly.

Her voice softened

“Emily, every woman who sits in that chair says the same thing at first,” she replied.

“That’s what happens when you’ve tried so many things that never worked. You become skeptical. And within reason too.”

“But this is different.” she continued.

“Because EMS doesn’t ask you to find the perfect workout to activate your core.

It simply activates it for you.

You don't have to guess. You don't have to search. You don't have to ‘figure it out'.

The electrical signals get sent directly to your deep core muscles, without your input.

I felt a little wave of relief wash over me

“Emily, when your deep core wakes back up, women don’t just feel stronger" she continued.

“They feel like themselves again.

Because a strong core can communicate to your brain that 'we are safe'.

That grounded, steady version of you you’ve been missing?

This is how we can help find her.” she finished.

“Okay but… why have I never heard about this before?” I asked.

She smiled, as if she knew this was coming

“Emily, most women don’t hear about EMS because traditional core exercises are always the first recommendation.

And for women who already have a good mind-to-core connection, those exercises work just fine.”

I sighed

“So it’s not mainstream yet?” I asked.

“It will be.” she replied confidently.

“But right now, EMS is mostly used in physical therapy clinics, professional sports, and rehab settings.

I let out yet another sigh

“If you haven’t heard about it before, I'm not surprised.

Few understand that most post-partum women have lost their mind-body connection to their core.

I've actually got an EMS device right here in my office. I can show you how it works if you'd like."

What I love most is how simple it is.

There's no learning curve.

No complicated setup.

No parts to replace.

You take it out of the box, strap it on, pick your intensity level, and press start.

That's it.

It doesn't just work on your abs, either.

The kit includes two arm stimulators so you can firm and strengthen your biceps, and triceps, and forearms at the same time.

No batteries to swap. No gel pads to reorder.

No adhesive that stops sticking after a week.

One device. One purchase. Zero maintenance.

It works the same on day one as it does on day two hundred.

After 56 years of never seeing my abs, the NextGen Ultra Stimulator gave me something I never thought I'd have… a body I'm actually proud of.

It costs just $149.99 — less than a single month with the cheapest personal trainer in my area.

Less than most gym memberships cost over three months.

Less than the ab roller, the shake weight, and the late-night infomercial belt I wasted money on combined.

And right now, it comes with free bonus gifts: an Ultra Spray for maximum conductivity, an 8-Week EMS Challenge guide designed to maximize your results, a gift card, and a free trial to their Elite Coaching Community.

Total value: over $460. You pay $149.99.

I'm 61.

I have abs for the first time in my life.

I've never had a flat stomach.

And now — for the first time in my life — I don't dread the mirror.

My granddaughter poked my stomach last week. Same kid. Same little finger.

This time she said,

"Pop Pop, your belly got hard!"

I picked her up, tossed her in the air, and laughed so hard I almost cried again.

That little moment was worth more than anything.

I could feel my abs slowly start to contract

"Oh my God,” I blurted out, half laughing, half nervous. “Is that… my abs?”

“That’s them,” she said calmly.

"That’s your deep core beginning to contract. You’re not doing any crunches, but the muscle is still working.”

As the seconds went by, the sensation shifted from strange to oddly soothing.

It felt like a firm, rhythmic tightening and then releasing of my abs

She slowly nudged the intensity up one level. “How’s that?”

“It’s weird,” I admitted, “but in a good way.

It feels like my abs are contracting.”

“Exactly.” she nodded.

“Right now, this device is sending the same kind of signal your brain would normally send to your core.

We’re just giving it a little reminder.

And over time, your will body start to remember how to do this on its own again."

I stared at my stomach, almost in disbelief.

"I think I've seen these online before." I blurted out.

"I just always thought it was some sort of gimmick".

She nodded her head up and down.

“I get why you’d think that." she replied.

“Honestly, a lot of the stuff online is gimmicky...

Little vibrating belts, quick-fix promises… I roll my eyes at half of it too.”

She tapped the device lightly.

“But this isn’t that.

What we use in the clinic is based on real neuromuscular re-education.

Something PTs and sports medicine have relied on for decades.

It’s just never really been talked about in postpartum care.” she replied.

The look on my face must of said it all, she could tell I was still hesitant

"I'll tell you this much...

Those things you see online claim to be some 'miracle cure' to 'give you abs without having to workout'.

That's not what this is.

This is simply meant to restore the communication between your brain and your deep core muscle fibers." she finished.

I blinked.

"I'll tell you what. Since you are a patient of mine, I'll let you take this one home.

You can use it over the next few weeks.

All you have to do is simply strap it around your waste, and turn it on.

For 20-minutes. Every day" she said.

She placed the device in my hands

"Every day?” I asked.

She nodded. “Most moms I work with use it at night, after the baby falls asleep."

You can just sit on the couch, turn it on, and let it run for 20 minutes."

I glanced back at her

"And Emily," she said "This isn't some 'magical cure'.

It's a tool.

A really helpful one, but still just one piece of the puzzle." she said.

"Recovery is never just one thing." she continued.

It's sleep when you can get it.

It's moving your body when you can.

It's giving your hormones time to settle.

So don't use it to replace exercise, it'll just make exercise more efficient." she finished.

"I can do 20-minutes a day" I replied.

"Great," she said "you can keep that one there. Take it home with you."

I slipped the device into my bag, still not entirely convinced, but curious...

More than 23,000 people are finally seeing real results… but is it really worth your attention?

"I love my NextGen Ultra Stimulator, it's a complete game changer."

I used to struggle to find time to work out since I work long hours, but all I do is put the stimulator on and let it do the work for me. This is the best shape I've ever been in my life.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Christopher S.

"Immediately noticed an improvement in my muscle toning."

Before using the stimulator I struggled through my workouts, I'd be lucky to hold a plank for even a minute. Now I can hold one five times as long and I'm still improving every week.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Kyle F.

"At 63, I feel like I got a second chance."

My doctor told me I needed to strengthen my core after back surgery. The gym wasn't an option. This device gave me more results in two months than years of physical therapy. I wish someone had told me about this sooner.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Robert M.

"The results speak for themselves."

The stimulator completely transformed my body. It hasn't only changed the way I look but also how I feel — my mood is so much better now that I use this every day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Georgia H.

You have two options:

Option 1: Keep telling yourself you're too old, it's too late, and your best years are behind you.

Option 2: Strap on the NextGen Ultra Stimulator for 20 minutes a day and find out what 61 can really look like.

I spent my whole life thinking abs weren't in the cards for me.

I was wrong.

And I promise — if a 61-year-old grandpa with bad knees, a dad bod, and zero gym experience can do it, you've got no excuse.

“I feel better,” I said. “Not perfect. But more confident in my own body.”

She smiled. “That’s usually how it starts.”

Then all the doubts I’d been quietly holding onto came rushing out.

“What if this only worked because I caught it early?” I asked.

“What if it stops working?”

“What if my body just goes right back to where it was?”

She just sat there for a second, taking in a deep breath

“Emily, EMS didn’t fix you,” she said. "Because you were never broken in the first place".

“It simply reminded your body how to do something it already knew how to do.” she continued.

"Remember how I told you that pregnancy often disconnects a lot of women from their deep core?

And how that’s why many moms often feel unstable, weak, or ‘off’ for years?

Well, think of EMS like training wheels.

At first, it helps re-establish the signal. But once your brain and core start communicating, your body begins doing the work all on its own."

She paused for a second

“That’s why so many women say they finally feel their abs again.

I took a deep breath

“What about exercise?” I asked.

“Should I still be working out?”

“Absolutely,” she said.

“But now your workouts actually have something to work with. Because for the first-time, in a long time, your deep core is being engaged."

“But what if I don't always have time for a long workouts?” I interrupted.

She smiled.

“Then 20 minutes on the couch is better than nothing.” she replied.

“And for a lot of moms, it’s the first thing they’ve been able to stick with.”

“I've got a friend who has been post-partum for a few years now. She's not a new mom like me. Do you think this could also help her?" I asked.

“Yes.” she said. “Because this isn’t about age. It’s about strengthening a connection between your mind and deep core.”

I left her office that day feeling more hopeful than ever.

Because it finally felt like I found something that works.

Is EMS right for you?

Before I go any further, let me be real with you.

This wasn’t some overnight miracle for me. And it wasn’t effortless in the way internet products like to promise.

It worked because I was willing to give it a little bit of space in my life. Twenty minutes a day.

And then let my body do what it already knew how to do.

If you’ve had a baby, whether it was a year ago or ten, and you still struggle to really 'feel your abs' then keep reading....

If bending, standing, carrying, or even just getting through the day still feels harder than it should...

And if you’ve already tried “doing all the right things”, workouts, and ab routines, and walked away feeling frustrated....

Then you are exactly where I was right before I discovered EMS.

But I want to make this clear:

If you’re looking for a quick fix, or something that gives you instant abs, this isn’t it.

And if you're looking for one 'magical cure' to replace sleep, movement, or listening to your body, then this definitely isn’t for you.

For me, EMS didn't 'give me my old body back'.

It simply gave my core enough support to remember how to activate on it's own.

And for me, that was enough to finally start trusting my body again.

So if you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me. I want to feel like myself again.” I get it.

I just wanted to stop feeling like I was living inside someone else’s body.

I wanted to stop second-guessing every movement.

I wanted to stop the emotional ups and downs that felt dependent on whether or not my body cooperated that day.

But what surprised me most about EMS wasn’t just physical changes...

It was how my self-confidence started to come back once my body stopped feeling unpredictable.

Once I wasn’t bracing.

Once I wasn’t constantly aware of my stomach or my back.

Once everyday movements stopped feeling like a risk.

I didn’t feel like a stranger in my body anymore.

I felt present again.

Capable again.

And for me, that was enough for me to say that EMS was worth it.

So, if you're here still reading and interested in trying EMS, let me make a few suggestions.

Don't just go shopping for any kind of EMS device, because there is a lot of BS out there.

Let me first show you what to look for, what to avoid, and how to know if an EMS device is actually worth it or not.

What to look for when choosing an EMS device...

Not all EMS devices are the same.

And after my one month trial of using my PT's device, I knew I wanted my own.

So I went down the rabbit hole of research, and what I found was frustrating.

On one end, there were the cheap ones from Amazon.

The kind that promise everything, cost next to nothing, and rely on sticky pads you have to constantly replace.

Half the reviews talked about uneven stimulation, dead spots, or even a device stopped working after a few weeks.

People were saying they felt more like vibrations instead of real muscle activation.

On the other hand was the medical-grade systems.

The ones used in clinics and rehab centers.

They work, but they also cost thousands of dollars, which just wasn’t realistic for me.

I wanted something more in the middle ground.

Not too expensive, but also not so cheap that it would break in a few weeks.

So I asked my PT for a recommendation, and here's what she had to say:

What kind of EMS device should you use?

"First and foremost, you want to make sure the EMS device you're looking at is specifically designed to activate your core.

There are plenty out there that are also made for your thighs, glutes, arms, and calves etc.

But it's always a good idea to start with your core.

Second, you want to avoid anything that claims to be an 'ab toner' or 'ab trainer'.

These are marketing claims used to fool people into thinking they can get abs overnight.

Products that say 'stimulator' are often better, because it's a sign that the brand understands EMS is a tool used for recovery. Not for 'miracle abs'.

Third, and this is very important, avoid any EMS device that requires replacement pads or gels.

An EMS device should not require any replacement parts. If it does, it's a sign that the original parts weren't built to the level of quality we are looking for.

And it's a marketing ploy to get you to keep coming back again and again to buy replacement pads.

Fourth, take note of how many pads the device itself uses. The more pads the better.

This is because the number of pads significantly impacts the effectiveness of the device.

The more pads there are, the more surface area the device has to deliver the EMS pulses directly to your abdominal muscles.

So avoid devices that only have two pads. Four is ideal.

Last but not least, the device should be in the design of a belt.

This ensures that the EMS is delivered consistently and effectively to the muscle.

If the EMS product you are looking at works by sticking "gel pads" onto your skin, avoid it all costs.

These pads will slip off, stick to thin hairs on your skin, and are usually uncomfortable to use.

To make it easier for you, I can recommend the exact device I let you use for your 30-day treatment.

My PT's Recommendation...

A company called apebornfitness.com has a product called "The Ultra Stimulator", an EMS device specifically used to target your core.

Their product is designed to be worn as a belt, which is the same one you used here in my office.

I mainly chose to use theirs for a few reasons:

First, their EMS products are FDA-approved. Which is very important when dealing with any sort of recovery equipment.

Second, their product doesn't require any 'replacement pads'. The product works as is.

Third, their EMS pads cover your entire abdomen. Most other ones I found only have 2 or 4 pads for coverage.

And lastly, they had 60-day risk free trial. So I figured I'd give it a try for 60-days and if it didn't work, I'd get a full refund..

For me, after all the research I had done. This was a no-brainer.

Nowhere else online could I find such a high-quality device for a very reasonable price.

If you want to see it for yourself, you can checkout apebornfitness.com and see they have to offer." she finished.

Post-partum left me feeling like a stranger in my own body, until I discovered this...

12/26/2025 - By Emily V. First published at lifted.org

Something felt… unfamiliar.

Not my marriage. Not my job. Not my friends or family.

But, Me.

I felt unfamiliar.

The version of me who seemed to float through the world with confidence, felt like a distant memory.

I used to smile so effortlessly.

Everyday felt like I was living in a body that wasn't mine.

• I stopped taking pictures of myself, unless absolutely necessary (for family photos)

• I compared myself to the perfect moms on Instagram who seemed to "snap back" in a couple months

• I regretted date-nights when I should've worn a dress instead

Everyone would tell me that "this is just what motherhood is". But deep down, I knew something was missing.

I knew that strong, confident version of myself was still in there somewhere. I just didn't know where she was... or how to find her.

I wondered if other mom's felt like I did, or, if I was the only one...

That's when my Physical Therapist asked me a question that I'll never forget.

“What if the woman you miss is still there, she's just... gone quiet?”

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"The woman you miss. She's still in there. She’s just not feeling supported by your body right now." My Physical Therapist replied.

"I, don't understand..." I said shaking my head.

I wanted to, but it didn't make sense

“Let me ask you a few questions:

Do you still feel like your stomach sticks out no matter what you do?

Do you get back pain by the end of the day?

Do you leak when you sneeze, laugh, or run?

I slowly nodded my head up and down..

These aren’t just random symptoms. They’re signs your core and pelvic floor aren’t coordinating the way they should.

Let me tell you what happened to me...

After my first baby, I had the same physical symptoms you just described. But these things also started to take their toll on me emotionally.

I would avoid mirrors, because they would reminded me of what I thought I'd 'lost'.

My body felt older than I was, like I had just aged tremendously overnight.

And I started to quietly grieve the woman 'I used to be'.

I felt my throat tighten.

"You're not alone Emily.

There’s a reason for all of this." She continued.

“Many post-partum women go through the exact same thing you're going through right now.”

Let me tell you, I've been a Physical Therapist for the past 20 years.

And over my time in the field, I've heard a lot the same thing's over and over again.

A mom once told me that she "felt like she still looked pregnant even though her baby is 3".

Another said "Every time I bend over to pick up my baby, I feel like my spine might snap".

One mom even told me that she "hates how soft and deflated her stomach looks".

Does any of this sound familiar Emily?"

I continued to nod my head...

"It's called Diastasis Recti.

And it's when the connective tissue between your abdominal muscles stretches to make room for the baby during pregnancy.

And for many women, it doesn’t fully come back together right away.

Studies show that 60% of post-partum women have it shortly after birth."

You've got to be fucking kidding me

"So what, I'm just broken now?!" I asked, practically shouting at this point.

"No, you're not broken.

This is very common. And it can be treated" She said.

"Once we get this solved, it'll help you to slowly start to feeling like yourself again."

"So you're saying that a weak core is the reason I feel like a stranger in my own body?" I asked.

"Partially, yes. Let me explain...

Your body has just undergone one of the most extreme transformations any human body can possibly go through.

While you were pregnant:

• Your abs stretched out

• Your rib cage expanded

• Your pelvis shifted

• Your organs moved

• And your deep core muscles slowly switched off to make room for your baby

It's not your fault. Your body does this automatically to protect your baby." She continued.

"And when your deep core muscles become weakened, your body starts over-compensating by:

• Overusing your low back for everything

• Forcing your hips and thighs to do the work your core used to do

This is why I've heard so many new moms say things like:

'Picking up my toddler feels like a workout'

'My back spasms when I stand too long doing the dishes'

'Every time I try to workout my core just gives up'

'My legs shake when going up the stairs'

It's because the connection between your mind and deep core has weakened.

And without that connection, it can be difficult to build back core strength on your own.

It’s kinda like if you lived in a house where the floor was constantly moving. You'd walk into your living room and then *woosh* the floor moves.

And then it happens again...

And again...

AND again...

and It never stops.

You never feel physically stable.

So then it's no wonder something feels 'off' emotionally. I mean that would drive anyone crazy." She said.

I just sat there staring blankly

"Emily,” she said gently, “what people sometimes forget is that emotional symptoms can often be directly influenced by physical ones.

When your deep core shuts down, your entire body loses its anchor. That shaky, unstable feeling you’ve been describing?

Your brain may be interpreting that as a threat. Not a big threat, just a constant, subtle sense that something is ‘off.’

Feeling physically disconnected from your core can often show up as feeling 'disconnected from yourself' emotionally.

It's not the only cause of course. There are other influences like your hormones, sleep schedule, diet etc.

But it's important to remember:

You’re not being dramatic.

You’re not being hard on yourself.

Your body’s physical stability and emotional stability are often connected.

When one is thrown off, the other one tends to follow.

And that mind-body disconnect is often why many post-partum women say:

"I don't feel like myself in my own body anymore."

“Can I tell you something, Emily?" she continued.

I leaned in

"After I had my first son, it felt like I had aged ninety years overnight.

I mean, it was difficult to do even the simplest of things without pain.

Bending down to pick up his toys, getting out of the car, even rolling out of bed.

Everything felt harder than it used to.

My eyes widened a bit

I would think to myself, 'Is this just who I am now?'

It was like I didn’t even recognize my own body anymore.

And looking back, it definitely started to affect my confidence.

I didn’t feel strong, and because of that, I didn’t really feel like me.

But here’s what surprised me…”

She leaned in slightly

“As my core started to wake back up, I slowly started to feel physically stronger.

Even if it was just a little.

And feeling strong again, started to give me hope.

Hope that maybe I could start to feel like the woman I used feel like before giving birth.

At the time, I didn’t even realize how much my confidence was influenced by feeling capable in my own body." She finished.

I sat there, frozen, eyes blinking slowly

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to cry or exhale.

“That makes sense.” I said quietly.

“But, how did you get to the point where you started to feel like yourself again? What changed?” I asked.

“Well, firstly." she took in a deep breath "It's important to understand that....

"You're not weak. Your muscles just think you're still pregnant."

"Your deep core has gone to sleep." She re-iterated.

"And without re-awakening it, you may continue to struggle with various symptoms.

You aren't my first patient to have gone through this.

I'd imagine you want to:

• Feel strong enough to play with your kids

• Look and feel like yourself again

• Wear fitted clothes without hiding your stomach

• Feel proud of your body again"

"Of course" I replied.

"We can get you there" She continued.

"But Diastasis Recti isn't something you solve overnight. It requires time and effort.

I'd imagine you've already tried all sorts of things:

• Pilates

• yoga

• crunches

• at-home youtube workouts

• stretching"

"Yes I have. And aren't those supposed things strengthen my core?" I asked.

She looked at me as if she had heard that same question a thousand times.

"Emily. And all those exercises you just listed rely on a mind-to-core connection that can become weakened during pregnancy.

So every time you did crunches, planks, Pilates, or ab routine, your core may or may not of been actually doing the work...

More often then not, It was probably your back and hips that were stepping in to compensate. Which means the exercises you thought were helping, may of not actually been helping.”

My stomach dropped.

“It’s not that you failed your workouts” she said.

“It’s that your workouts assumed you already have a connection to your deep core.” she finished.

For the first time, in a long time, I began to feel hope.

Maybe I wasn't just 'out of shape'.

Maybe I didn't just 'let myself go'.

And maybe, motherhood didn't 'change me forever'.

If what she was saying is true, then feeling re-connected to my deep core could be the start of finally feeling like myself again.

“So then… how do I strengthen my core if my mind doesn't know how to activate it? I asked.

"Have you tried EMS?"

"What's EMS?" I looked at her curiously.

“EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. But don’t let the name scare you." she said, with a soft smile.

“Think of it like this,” she continued.

“Your brain's connection to your deep core is kinda like a light switch. And pregnancy didn’t break the switch, it just, turned it off.

So every time you tried Pilates, crunches, or ab workouts, your brain was flipping the wrong light switch.

It flipped the switch of 'hips and thighs' instead of the 'core' switch.

I leaned in...

"But EMS?” she said with a smile.

“It goes straight to the right switch, and flips it on for you, even if your brain can’t.”

"So it's an electric shock?!" I said with a slight gasp.

She shook her head

"So if it's not a shock, then what does it feel like?" I asked.

"It feels just like getting a workout in." she replied.

She leaned back with a slight smile

It’s kinda like jump-starting a car.

The battery isn’t broken, it just needs that little extra boost to get going.

But once the car is running, your battery begins to charge again on it's own.

Now I had even more questions

"What is the actual science behind that?" I asked, cautiously.

"EMS works by mimicking the same electrical signals your brain uses to trigger muscular contractions". She replied.

"And we'll use it to rebuild your mind-body connection that got disrupted during pregnancy.

So you can start to feel safe in your own body again." she finished.

I still felt unsure.

“What if I’m one of those women who just, doesn’t respond to anything?” I admitted quietly.

Her voice softened

“Emily, every woman who sits in that chair says the same thing at first,” she replied.

“That’s what happens when you’ve tried so many things that never worked. You become skeptical. And within reason too.”

“But this is different.” she continued.

“Because EMS doesn’t ask you to find the perfect workout to activate your core.

It simply activates it for you.

You don't have to guess. You don't have to search. You don't have to ‘figure it out'.

The electrical signals get sent directly to your deep core muscles, without your input.

I felt a little wave of relief wash over me

“Emily, when your deep core wakes back up, women don’t just feel stronger" she continued.

“They feel like themselves again.

Because a strong core can communicate to your brain that 'we are safe'.

That grounded, steady version of you you’ve been missing?

This is how we can help find her.” she finished.

“Okay but… why have I never heard about this before?” I asked.

She smiled, as if she knew this was coming

“Emily, most women don’t hear about EMS because traditional core exercises are always the first recommendation.

And for women who already have a good mind-to-core connection, those exercises work just fine.”

I sighed

“So it’s not mainstream yet?” I asked.

“It will be.” she replied confidently.

“But right now, EMS is mostly used in physical therapy clinics, professional sports, and rehab settings.

I let out yet another sigh

“If you haven’t heard about it before, I'm not surprised.

Few understand that most post-partum women have lost their mind-body connection to their core.

I've actually got an EMS device right here in my office. I can show you how it works if you'd like."

Trying EMS For The First Time

She pulled out a small black device from her drawer

“This is what I was talking about,” she said.

“Nothing scary. Just an EMS unit we use here in the clinic.”

She laid it across her lap so I could see it up close.

It was this wide, black strap, almost like a belt. With some flat pads on the inside and a little control box on the front.

“These pads here,” she pointed. "are what send the signals to your muscles."

"You place them over your lower abdomen, right where your deep core sits."

“So I'm supposed to strap this around my waste?" I asked.

“Exactly." she said. "Only if you’re comfortable.

And we’ll start on the lowest setting so you can feel what it’s like. You’ll be in control the whole time.” she replied.

I laid back slightly on my chair and rolled my shirt up just enough to expose my stomach.

"Okay, I guess I'll give it a try.” I said, hesitantly.

The pads felt cool as she pressed them onto my skin.

“Okay,” she said, with a slight smile "I’m going to turn it on now.

You might feel a light fluttering at first.

Tell me the second anything feels too strong.”

I held my breath a little

There was a tiny buzz...

I could feel my abs slowly start to contract

"Oh my God,” I blurted out, half laughing, half nervous. “Is that… my abs?”

“That’s them,” she said calmly.

"That’s your deep core beginning to contract. You’re not doing any crunches, but the muscle is still working.”

As the seconds went by, the sensation shifted from strange to oddly soothing.

It felt like a firm, rhythmic tightening and then releasing of my abs

She slowly nudged the intensity up one level. “How’s that?”

“It’s weird,” I admitted, “but in a good way.

It feels like my abs are contracting.”

“Exactly.” she nodded.

“Right now, this device is sending the same kind of signal your brain would normally send to your core.

We’re just giving it a little reminder.

And over time, your will body start to remember how to do this on its own again."

I stared at my stomach, almost in disbelief.

"I think I've seen these online before." I blurted out.

"I just always thought it was some sort of gimmick".

She nodded her head up and down.

“I get why you’d think that." she replied.

“Honestly, a lot of the stuff online is gimmicky...

Little vibrating belts, quick-fix promises… I roll my eyes at half of it too.”

She tapped the device lightly.

“But this isn’t that.

What we use in the clinic is based on real neuromuscular re-education.

Something PTs and sports medicine have relied on for decades.

It’s just never really been talked about in postpartum care.” she replied.

The look on my face must of said it all, she could tell I was still hesitant

"I'll tell you this much...

Those things you see online claim to be some 'miracle cure' to 'give you abs without having to workout'.

That's not what this is.

This is simply meant to restore the communication between your brain and your deep core muscle fibers." she finished.

I blinked.

"I'll tell you what. Since you are a patient of mine, I'll let you take this one home.

You can use it over the next few weeks.

All you have to do is simply strap it around your waste, and turn it on.

For 20-minutes. Every day" she said.

She placed the device in my hands

"Every day?” I asked.

She nodded. “Most moms I work with use it at night, after the baby falls asleep."

You can just sit on the couch, turn it on, and let it run for 20 minutes."

I glanced back at her

"And Emily," she said "This isn't some 'magical cure'.

It's a tool.

A really helpful one, but still just one piece of the puzzle." she said.

"Recovery is never just one thing." she continued.

It's sleep when you can get it.

It's moving your body when you can.

It's giving your hormones time to settle.

So don't use it to replace exercise, it'll just make exercise more efficient." she finished.

"I can do 20-minutes a day" I replied.

"Great," she said "you can keep that one there. Take it home with you."

I slipped the device into my bag, still not entirely convinced, but curious...

Is EMS worth it? (my review after 30-days)

I wish I could tell you I believed her right away, but I didn’t.

I had tried just about everything up until this point.

And at first, this whole "EMS" thing felt like yet another 'magic cure' promising me the world.

But, I trusted my PT enough at the time to be able to give it a shot.

Of course, I had my hesitations at first. I mean, who wouldn't?

This thing looked like one of those generic 'ab toner belts' from the late 90's.

But when I actually started to do my research into EMS, and its effectiveness on post-partum recovery.

I was shocked.

I won't bore you with all of the science-y stuff. Because I'm sure most of you reading this will do your own research.

But for those who have made it this far and are still curiously reading, here's what my first-hand experience was like.

Day 1: Nothing crazy...

The next night, after I finally got the baby down, I sat on the couch with the device next to me.

I strapped on the belt, turned it on, and waited for, I don’t know, something big and 'obvious' to happen.

It didn’t.

It just felt like these tiny, gentle contractions. Not painful, not intense, just a low, rhythmic 'pulse'.

I remember thinking to myself, “Okay, this is it? This is what’s supposed to help?”

Then I remembered my PT saying:

"Healing doesn't happen overnight".

I still felt hopeful that maybe this could work, but it was more like a "don't get your hopes up too high" kinda feeling.

So yeah, that was Day 1. Nothing too crazy.

Just learning how to use the device on my own, really.

Week 1: Small shifts I almost missed

By the end of the first week, I started to notice a few small things.

There was no dramatic “before and after.”

And definitely no sudden burst of strength.

Just these little moments that caught me off guard.

Like one morning, I bent down to pick up my baby, and halfway up I realized…

I wasn’t holding my breath.

I wasn’t clenching my jaw.

I wasn’t terrified my back would seize.

It was such a small thing, but it stopped me for a second.

Almost like my body whispered, “Hey, I’ve got you.”

It stuck with me, because picking up my baby had always felt like an event.

But this time, it didn’t.

I just, did it. And didn’t think twice about it.

It was in that moment that I thought to myself "maybe something is changing".

Week 2: Things stopped taking so much effort

By the second week, I wasn’t thinking about the device as much anymore.

I’d put it on at night, sit on the couch, scroll my phone, and let it run.

It stopped feeling like “this thing I’m testing” and it just became part of my routine.

What started to change wasn’t dramatic, it was subtle.

Getting out of bed in the morning didn’t feel as stiff.

Standing to wash baby bottles didn’t make me shift my weight every few minutes.

And I wasn’t mentally scanning for pain every time I stood up, bent over, or picked something up.

I just.... moved.

And one afternoon, I caught myself carrying the car seat (with baby in it), with one hand!

Something was definitely changing.

Usually, every movement used to come with a mental checklist: brace, tighten, be careful.

But now, things were starting to feel more effortless.

Daily life started to feel a bit lighter...

Like my body wasn’t fighting me at every turn.

Week 3: I started to see physical changes

Week three was when I started to notice some changes to my physical appearance.

I noticed it in the mirror first.

My stomach looked firmer. Less soft. Less, deflated.

And when I sat down, my belly didn’t push forward the way it used to.

The way my body was handling movement was definitely different.

I could get down on the floor with my baby, and get back up, without planning my exit strategy.

I could go through bath time without my back tightening halfway through.

I even tried some yoga again, and for the first time, my core didn’t completely give out.

It felt like my abs were actually participating now, instead of my low-back doing all the work.

Like my core was finally starting to support my body again.

Week 4: Trusting my body again

By the fourth week, something was noticeably different.

But it wasn’t in the way I expected...

It wasn’t just that my back hurt less.

Or that everyday movements felt easier.

It was that I stopped thinking about my body all the time.

I didn’t realize how much mental space it had been taking up.

I wasn’t constantly checking in with myself before doing things:

Is this going to hurt?

Should I brace?

Am I going to regret this later?

I just, moved. And there was no "second-thought" about it.

My stomach started to feel like it belonged to me again.

And that surprised me more than anything.

Because ever since giving birth, my body had felt like something I had to manage,

...not something I lived in.

My body started showing up for me in little ways.

I stood longer while cooking dinner, without leaning on the counter.

I reached for things without that split-second hesitation.

And emotionally, I felt lighter.

It's like I finally didn't have to micro-manage every little movement.

My body felt like it was working with me again, instead of against me.

It sounds small, but when you’ve spent months feeling physically unstable, that steadiness does something to your confidence.

I was just more myself.

More patient.

More relaxed.

More present.

I laughed more easily.

I wore clothes without constantly adjusting them.

I stopped thinking about my stomach every time I sat down.

I realized that feeling like myself again wasn’t just about trying to get my old body back.

It was about trusting my body again.

The Verdict: Should You Try EMS?

A few weeks later, I was back in my PT’s office.

Same chair. Same room. Except this time:

I wasn’t sitting there feeling defeated.

"How has it been going Emily?" she asked.

I told her the truth.

“I feel better,” I said. “Not perfect. But more confident in my own body.”

She smiled. “That’s usually how it starts.”

Then all the doubts I’d been quietly holding onto came rushing out.

“What if this only worked because I caught it early?” I asked.

“What if it stops working?”

“What if my body just goes right back to where it was?”

She just sat there for a second, taking in a deep breath

“Emily, EMS didn’t fix you,” she said. "Because you were never broken in the first place".

“It simply reminded your body how to do something it already knew how to do.” she continued.

"Remember how I told you that pregnancy often disconnects a lot of women from their deep core?

And how that’s why many moms often feel unstable, weak, or ‘off’ for years?

Well, think of EMS like training wheels.

At first, it helps re-establish the signal. But once your brain and core start communicating, your body begins doing the work all on its own."

She paused for a second

“That’s why so many women say they finally feel their abs again.

I took a deep breath

“What about exercise?” I asked.

“Should I still be working out?”

“Absolutely,” she said.

“But now your workouts actually have something to work with. Because for the first-time, in a long time, your deep core is being engaged."

“But what if I don't always have time for a long workouts?” I interrupted.

She smiled.

“Then 20 minutes on the couch is better than nothing.” she replied.

“And for a lot of moms, it’s the first thing they’ve been able to stick with.”

“I've got a friend who has been post-partum for a few years now. She's not a new mom like me. Do you think this could also help her?" I asked.

“Yes.” she said. “Because this isn’t about age. It’s about strengthening a connection between your mind and deep core.”

I left her office that day feeling more hopeful than ever.

Because it finally felt like I found something that works.

Is EMS right for you?

Before I go any further, let me be real with you.

This wasn’t some overnight miracle for me. And it wasn’t effortless in the way internet products like to promise.

It worked because I was willing to give it a little bit of space in my life. Twenty minutes a day.

And then let my body do what it already knew how to do.

If you’ve had a baby, whether it was a year ago or ten, and you still struggle to really 'feel your abs' then keep reading....

If bending, standing, carrying, or even just getting through the day still feels harder than it should...

And if you’ve already tried “doing all the right things”, workouts, and ab routines, and walked away feeling frustrated....

Then you are exactly where I was right before I discovered EMS.

But I want to make this clear:

If you’re looking for a quick fix, or something that gives you instant abs, this isn’t it.

And if you're looking for one 'magical cure' to replace sleep, movement, or listening to your body, then this definitely isn’t for you.

For me, EMS didn't 'give me my old body back'.

It simply gave my core enough support to remember how to activate on it's own.

And for me, that was enough to finally start trusting my body again.

So if you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me. I want to feel like myself again.” I get it.

I just wanted to stop feeling like I was living inside someone else’s body.

I wanted to stop second-guessing every movement.

I wanted to stop the emotional ups and downs that felt dependent on whether or not my body cooperated that day.

But what surprised me most about EMS wasn’t just physical changes...

It was how my self-confidence started to come back once my body stopped feeling unpredictable.

Once I wasn’t bracing.

Once I wasn’t constantly aware of my stomach or my back.

Once everyday movements stopped feeling like a risk.

I didn’t feel like a stranger in my body anymore.

I felt present again.

Capable again.

And for me, that was enough for me to say that EMS was worth it.

So, if you're here still reading and interested in trying EMS, let me make a few suggestions.

Don't just go shopping for any kind of EMS device, because there is a lot of BS out there.

Let me first show you what to look for, what to avoid, and how to know if an EMS device is actually worth it or not.

What to look for when choosing an EMS device...

Not all EMS devices are the same.

And after my one month trial of using my PT's device, I knew I wanted my own.

So I went down the rabbit hole of research, and what I found was frustrating.

On one end, there were the cheap ones from Amazon.

The kind that promise everything, cost next to nothing, and rely on sticky pads you have to constantly replace.

Half the reviews talked about uneven stimulation, dead spots, or even a device stopped working after a few weeks.

People were saying they felt more like vibrations instead of real muscle activation.

On the other hand was the medical-grade systems.

The ones used in clinics and rehab centers.

They work, but they also cost thousands of dollars, which just wasn’t realistic for me.

I wanted something more in the middle ground.

Not too expensive, but also not so cheap that it would break in a few weeks.

So I asked my PT for a recommendation, and here's what she had to say:

What kind of EMS device should you use?

"First and foremost, you want to make sure the EMS device you're looking at is specifically designed to activate your core.

There are plenty out there that are also made for your thighs, glutes, arms, and calves etc.

But it's always a good idea to start with your core.

Second, you want to avoid anything that claims to be an 'ab toner' or 'ab trainer'.

These are marketing claims used to fool people into thinking they can get abs overnight.

Products that say 'stimulator' are often better, because it's a sign that the brand understands EMS is a tool used for recovery. Not for 'miracle abs'.

Third, and this is very important, avoid any EMS device that requires replacement pads or gels.

An EMS device should not require any replacement parts. If it does, it's a sign that the original parts weren't built to the level of quality we are looking for.

And it's a marketing ploy to get you to keep coming back again and again to buy replacement pads.

Fourth, take note of how many pads the device itself uses. The more pads the better.

This is because the number of pads significantly impacts the effectiveness of the device.

The more pads there are, the more surface area the device has to deliver the EMS pulses directly to your abdominal muscles.

So avoid devices that only have two pads. Four is ideal.

Last but not least, the device should be in the design of a belt.

This ensures that the EMS is delivered consistently and effectively to the muscle.

If the EMS product you are looking at works by sticking "gel pads" onto your skin, avoid it all costs.

These pads will slip off, stick to thin hairs on your skin, and are usually uncomfortable to use.

To make it easier for you, I can recommend the exact device I let you use for your 30-day treatment.

My PT's Recommendation...

A company called apebornfitness.com has a product called "The Ultra Stimulator", an EMS device specifically used to target your core.

Their product is designed to be worn as a belt, which is the same one you used here in my office.

I mainly chose to use theirs for a few reasons:

First, their EMS products are FDA-approved. Which is very important when dealing with any sort of recovery equipment.

Second, their product doesn't require any 'replacement pads'. The product works as is.

Third, their EMS pads cover your entire abdomen. Most other ones I found only have 2 or 4 pads for coverage.

And lastly, they had 60-day risk free trial. So I figured I'd give it a try for 60-days and if it didn't work, I'd get a full refund..

For me, after all the research I had done. This was a no-brainer.

Nowhere else online could I find such a high-quality device for a very reasonable price.

If you want to see it for yourself, you can checkout apebornfitness.com and see they have to offer." she finished.

How This Grandpa Got a Six-Pack at 61 and Made His Doctor Speechless

4/26/2026 - By Thomas R.

NOTE: Most fitness devices deliver weak, surface-level pulses that fade after a few uses. But real muscle transformation requires deep, repeated contractions that reach the fibers traditional exercise often misses. That's why cheap EMS pads fail — they lose power and can't sustain the activation your muscles need. Devices like the NextGen Ultra Stimulator™ deliver over 600 deep contractions per session, which is essential for building real, visible definition — at any age.

–  Dr. Alan Mercer, PhD, Sports Medicine Researcher and Aging Physiology Specialist

My granddaughter said something last summer that I still think about every day.

We were at the community pool. She was five. She ran up to me, poked my stomach, and said,

She was five. She ran up to me, poked my stomach, and said,

"Pop Pop, why is your belly so squishy?"

She didn't mean anything by it.

She was just being a kid.

But I stood there in my swim trunks, surrounded by other families, and I felt something I hadn't felt in years.

Shame.

I'm 61 years old. And until recently, I had completely given up on my body.

I'd been heavy my whole adult life.

Not obese — just soft.

The kind of guy who always wore an XL.

Who always kept his shirt on at the beach.

Who sucked in his gut in every photo.

I figured that was just how I was built.

And after I turned 60, I stopped caring altogether.

I was a grandpa now.

Nobody expects a grandpa to have a flat stomach.

But my granddaughter's little comment sat with me. And it wasn't just that.

My doctor had been on my case for two years straight.

"Thomas, your blood pressure is getting worse. Your cholesterol is climbing.

You're pre-diabetic. We need to talk about medication."

I was on three pills already. I didn't want a fourth.

I knew I needed to move. I knew I needed to change. But every time I tried, my body fought me.

The gym wasn't an option. My body made sure of that.

I tried jogging around my neighborhood.

Made it six houses before my right knee locked up.

I limped home.

I bought a set of dumbbells from Walmart.

Did a few curls and shoulder presses.

Threw my back out the same week and spent three days on the couch with a heating pad.

I tried one of those chair yoga programs on YouTube.

It was fine.

But after four weeks, nothing had changed.

Not my weight.

Not my stomach.

Not my numbers.

My wife suggested a personal trainer.

I looked one up. "$75 per session, minimum three sessions a week."

That's $900 a month.

On a pension.

With a granddaughter I'm helping put through daycare.

Not happening.

So I did what I always did.

I told myself it didn't matter.

That I was too old.

That the ship had sailed.

And I almost believed it.

Then my neighbor Bill changed everything.

Bill is 64. Retired postal worker. Big guy his whole life — bigger than me, honestly.

I hadn't seen him in a few weeks because he'd been visiting his daughter out of state.

When he came back and walked over to grab his mail, I barely recognized him.

His face was thinner.

His arms had shape.

And his gut — the gut that used to hang over his belt — was gone.

I walked over to his driveway and said,

"Bill. What happened to you?"

He smiled, lifted his shirt, and I swear to God — this 64-year-old retired mailman had a flat stomach with actual lines on it.

I almost dropped my coffee.

"You're not gonna believe what I've been doing," he said.

He went inside and came back out holding a small black device that looked like a wide belt pad.

"Twenty minutes a day. That's all I do. I sit in my chair and let this thing work."

That device was called the NextGen Ultra Stimulator.

Bill explained it in plain English — no fancy science talk.

"It sends little electric pulses into your muscles. Makes them squeeze over and over again. Like doing a thousand crunches without getting on the floor."

The NextGen Ultra Stimulator uses clinically proven EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) technology. It sends gentle electrical pulses directly into your muscles, triggering deep, powerful contractions — the same kind your body produces during intense exercise.

Deep Muscle Activation: A single 20-minute session triggers over 600 muscle contractions — the equivalent of more than 3,000 crunches. Without bending, straining, or putting any pressure on your joints.

Built For Any Level: Choose from 12 training modes and 19 intensity levels. Start on level 1 if you need to. The device meets you exactly where you are.

No gym.

No weights.

No getting on the floor.

No strain on your knees, back, or shoulders.

The part that sold me?

Bill said he does his sessions in his recliner every morning while watching the Weather Channel. Hasn't missed a day in five months.

Now — I've been around long enough to know that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

I've bought the junk.

The ab roller that's been collecting dust in my garage since 2007.

The vibrating belt from a late-night infomercial.

The resistance bands I used once and shoved in a drawer.

I'm not a sucker. I'm a skeptic.

But Bill was standing in front of me, 64 years old, looking like a different person.

And the device had a 60-day money-back guarantee.

So I figured — what do I have to lose except my gut?

I ordered it that night.

Week 1 — I strapped it on and started at level 2. My stomach tightened in a way it hadn't in years. Not painful — just firm. Like something woke up in there. The next morning I was sore. Actually sore. Like I'd done something.

Week 2 — Moved up to level 5. The contractions were deeper now. I could feel my core engaging even when the device was off. My posture felt different. My wife said I was standing straighter.

Week 3 — I looked in the mirror before my shower and paused. My belly was smaller. Not gone — but smaller. The shape was different. Something was happening.

Week 5 — My pants were loose. I punched a new hole in my belt. My wife grabbed my arm at the grocery store and said, "Tom, are you losing weight?"

Week 8 — I lifted my shirt in the bathroom mirror and saw something I had never seen in 61 years of life. Lines. Actual abdominal definition. Faint, but real. I stood there for two full minutes just staring.

Week 10 — I had my checkup.

My doctor pulled up my chart, looked at my numbers, and then looked at me. Then back at the chart. Then back at me.

"Thomas… your blood pressure is down. Your glucose is down. Your weight is down fourteen pounds. What are you doing?"

I told him.

He leaned back in his chair and said,

"Whatever it is, don't stop. I haven't seen numbers like this from you in a decade."

I drove home and cried in my driveway.

Here's why nothing else worked for me, and probably hasn't worked for you either.

Most fitness equipment is designed for people who are already in shape.

Gym machines assume you have healthy joints.

Workout videos assume you can get on the floor and do a burpee.

Running assumes your knees aren't held together with prayers and ibuprofen.

If you're over 50, overweight, or dealing with joint issues, the traditional path to fitness isn't just hard, it's often impossible.

The NextGen Ultra Stimulator is different because it does the work without the strain.

No impact on your joints.

No stress on your back.

No getting down on the floor and hoping you can get back up.

It sends deep, powerful contractions directly into your muscles, the kind of activation that would normally require hundreds of crunches, while you sit still.

What I love most is how simple it is.

There's no learning curve.

No complicated setup.

No parts to replace.

You take it out of the box, strap it on, pick your intensity level, and press start.

That's it.

It doesn't just work on your abs, either.

The kit includes two arm stimulators so you can firm and strengthen your biceps, and triceps, and forearms at the same time.

No batteries to swap.

No gel pads to reorder.

No adhesive that stops sticking after a week.

One device.

One purchase.

Zero maintenance.

It works the same on day one as it does on day two hundred.

I need you to understand what this means for a guy like me.

It costs just $149.99 — less than a single month with the cheapest personal trainer in my area.

Less than most gym memberships cost over three months.

Less than the ab roller, the shake weight, and the late-night infomercial belt I wasted money on combined.

And right now, it comes with free bonus gifts: an Ultra Spray for maximum conductivity, an 8-Week EMS Challenge guide designed to maximize your results, a gift card, and a free trial to their Elite Coaching Community.

Total value: over $460. You pay $149.99.

I'm 61.

I have abs for the first time in my life.

I've never had a flat stomach.

And now — for the first time in my life — I don't dread the mirror.

My granddaughter poked my stomach last week. Same kid. Same little finger.

This time she said,

"Pop Pop, your belly got hard!"

I picked her up, tossed her in the air, and laughed so hard I almost cried again.

That little moment was worth more than anything.

More than 23,000 people are finally seeing real results… but is it really worth your attention?

"I love my NextGen Ultra Stimulator, it's a complete game changer."

I used to struggle to find time to work out since I work long hours, but all I do is put the stimulator on and let it do the work for me. This is the best shape I've ever been in my life.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Christopher S.

"Immediately noticed an improvement in my muscle toning."

Before using the stimulator I struggled through my workouts, I'd be lucky to hold a plank for even a minute. Now I can hold one five times as long and I'm still improving every week.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Kyle F.

"At 63, I feel like I got a second chance."

My doctor told me I needed to strengthen my core after back surgery. The gym wasn't an option. This device gave me more results in two months than years of physical therapy. I wish someone had told me about this sooner.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Robert M.

"The results speak for themselves."

The stimulator completely transformed my body. It hasn't only changed the way I look but also how I feel — my mood is so much better now that I use this every day.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Georgia H.

I still felt unsure.

“What if I’m one of those women who just, doesn’t respond to anything?” I admitted quietly.

Her voice softened

“Emily, every woman who sits in that chair says the same thing at first,” she replied.

“That’s what happens when you’ve tried so many things that never worked. You become skeptical. And within reason too.”

“But this is different.” she continued.

“Because EMS doesn’t ask you to find the perfect workout to activate your core.

It simply activates it for you.

You don't have to guess. You don't have to search. You don't have to ‘figure it out'.

The electrical signals get sent directly to your deep core muscles, without your input.

I felt a little wave of relief wash over me

“Emily, when your deep core wakes back up, women don’t just feel stronger" she continued.

“They feel like themselves again.

Because a strong core can communicate to your brain that 'we are safe'.

That grounded, steady version of you you’ve been missing?

This is how we can help find her.” she finished.

“Okay but… why have I never heard about this before?” I asked.

She smiled, as if she knew this was coming

“Emily, most women don’t hear about EMS because traditional core exercises are always the first recommendation.

And for women who already have a good mind-to-core connection, those exercises work just fine.”

I sighed

“So it’s not mainstream yet?” I asked.

“It will be.” she replied confidently.

“But right now, EMS is mostly used in physical therapy clinics, professional sports, and rehab settings.

I let out yet another sigh

“If you haven’t heard about it before, I'm not surprised.

Few understand that most post-partum women have lost their mind-body connection to their core.

I've actually got an EMS device right here in my office. I can show you how it works if you'd like."

Trying EMS For The First Time

She pulled out a small black device from her drawer

“This is what I was talking about,” she said.

“Nothing scary. Just an EMS unit we use here in the clinic.”

She laid it across her lap so I could see it up close.

It was this wide, black strap, almost like a belt. With some flat pads on the inside and a little control box on the front.

“These pads here,” she pointed. "are what send the signals to your muscles."

"You place them over your lower abdomen, right where your deep core sits."

“So I'm supposed to strap this around my waste?" I asked.

“Exactly." she said. "Only if you’re comfortable.

And we’ll start on the lowest setting so you can feel what it’s like. You’ll be in control the whole time.” she replied.

I laid back slightly on my chair and rolled my shirt up just enough to expose my stomach.

"Okay, I guess I'll give it a try.” I said, hesitantly.

The pads felt cool as she pressed them onto my skin.

“Okay,” she said, with a slight smile "I’m going to turn it on now.

You might feel a light fluttering at first.

Tell me the second anything feels too strong.”

I held my breath a little

There was a tiny buzz...

I could feel my abs slowly start to contract

"Oh my God,” I blurted out, half laughing, half nervous. “Is that… my abs?”

“That’s them,” she said calmly.

"That’s your deep core beginning to contract. You’re not doing any crunches, but the muscle is still working.”

As the seconds went by, the sensation shifted from strange to oddly soothing.

It felt like a firm, rhythmic tightening and then releasing of my abs

She slowly nudged the intensity up one level. “How’s that?”

“It’s weird,” I admitted, “but in a good way.

It feels like my abs are contracting.”

“Exactly.” she nodded.

“Right now, this device is sending the same kind of signal your brain would normally send to your core.

We’re just giving it a little reminder.

And over time, your will body start to remember how to do this on its own again."

I stared at my stomach, almost in disbelief.

"I think I've seen these online before." I blurted out.

"I just always thought it was some sort of gimmick".

She nodded her head up and down.

“I get why you’d think that." she replied.

“Honestly, a lot of the stuff online is gimmicky...

Little vibrating belts, quick-fix promises… I roll my eyes at half of it too.”

She tapped the device lightly.

“But this isn’t that.

What we use in the clinic is based on real neuromuscular re-education.

Something PTs and sports medicine have relied on for decades.

It’s just never really been talked about in postpartum care.” she replied.

The look on my face must of said it all, she could tell I was still hesitant

"I'll tell you this much...

Those things you see online claim to be some 'miracle cure' to 'give you abs without having to workout'.

That's not what this is.

This is simply meant to restore the communication between your brain and your deep core muscle fibers." she finished.

I blinked.

"I'll tell you what. Since you are a patient of mine, I'll let you take this one home.

You can use it over the next few weeks.

All you have to do is simply strap it around your waste, and turn it on.

For 20-minutes. Every day" she said.

She placed the device in my hands

"Every day?” I asked.

She nodded. “Most moms I work with use it at night, after the baby falls asleep."

You can just sit on the couch, turn it on, and let it run for 20 minutes."

I glanced back at her

"And Emily," she said "This isn't some 'magical cure'.

It's a tool.

A really helpful one, but still just one piece of the puzzle." she said.

"Recovery is never just one thing." she continued.

It's sleep when you can get it.

It's moving your body when you can.

It's giving your hormones time to settle.

So don't use it to replace exercise, it'll just make exercise more efficient." she finished.

"I can do 20-minutes a day" I replied.

"Great," she said "you can keep that one there. Take it home with you."

I slipped the device into my bag, still not entirely convinced, but curious...

Is EMS worth it? (my review after 30-days)

I wish I could tell you I believed her right away, but I didn’t.

I had tried just about everything up until this point.

And at first, this whole "EMS" thing felt like yet another 'magic cure' promising me the world.

But, I trusted my PT enough at the time to be able to give it a shot.

Of course, I had my hesitations at first. I mean, who wouldn't?

This thing looked like one of those generic 'ab toner belts' from the late 90's.

But when I actually started to do my research into EMS, and its effectiveness on post-partum recovery.

I was shocked.

I won't bore you with all of the science-y stuff. Because I'm sure most of you reading this will do your own research.

But for those who have made it this far and are still curiously reading, here's what my first-hand experience was like.

You have two options:

Option 1: Keep telling yourself you're too old, it's too late, and your best years are behind you.

Option 2: Strap on the NextGen Ultra Stimulator for 20 minutes a day and find out what 61 can really look like.

I spent my whole life thinking abs weren't in the cards for me.

I was wrong.

And I promise — if a 61-year-old grandpa with bad knees, a dad bod, and zero gym experience can do it, you've got no excuse.

Questions?

Email: info@apebornfitness.com

Copyright © 2026, Apebornfitness.

Advertisement & Health Disclaimer: This EMS device is intended for general fitness and muscle stimulation only. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Individual results may vary. Consult a healthcare professional before use.