“What’s your excuse?” That is the caption of the Facebook photo of Maria Kang, a mother of three and a business owner from California, that has kicked up a storm on the social media. She wanted to inspired other moms that you can stay fit despite being busy but some say the mother in a sports bra and a tiny shorts next to her two-year old, three-year old, and eight month old kids was fat-shaming other mothers who do not look as fabulous.
The image of Kang sporting a great smile and displaying her well-toned body has gone viral and has received mixed reactions. It now has more than 234,000 likes, almost 31,000 comments, and over 20,000 shares.
“Great job and I think you are motivation to the masses. If you have time to get in amazing shape we all have time we just need to make time,” commented one user. Other supporters say, “ You rock Maria, you are a true inspiration, your family is lucky to have you.” Praises like “you are hot,” “very motivating,” and “you go girl” were also common.
On the other side of the story, the negative comments also poured in ranging from “your ad is a little bit annoying,” “she’s a bully,” and “it’s called insensitivity to other people.”
The former beauty queen and creator of “The Belly Ball” and the “No Excuse Mom” posted an apology on her Facebook Page.
“I'm sorry you took an image and resonated with it in such a negative way. I won't go into details that I struggled with my genetics, had an eating disorder, work full time owning two business', have no nanny, am not naturally skinny and do not work as a personal trainer. I won't even mention how I didn't give into cravings for ice cream, french fries or chocolate while pregnant or use my growing belly as an excuse to be inactive,” Kang stated.
“What I WILL say is this. What you interpret is not MY fault. It's Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head. I didn't create them. You created them. So if you want to continue 'hating' this image, get used to hating many other things for the rest of your life. You can either blame, complain or obtain a new level of thought by challenging the negative words that come out of your own brain,” she added.
The said apology was posted in September 25 but the discourse of fans and haters continue.
Kang’s website, mariakang.com, shows her journey and struggles with weight. She weighed 150 pounds in 2006 and is now 125 lbs., with firm body and after having three kids. She clarifies on her site that her success is not an overnight thing. She confessed that she was a bulimic before, works out almost every day with running, Zumba class, and hitting the gym as part of her routine.
Maria Kang is a fitness blogger, freelance writer, and a non-profit organization director. She also owns a care home facility.
What’s your take on this? Did you find Kang’s picture as inspiring or offensive?
