14 DAY TRIAL // Maria Kang was pushed into the spotlight more or less against her will because, while she did use social media to show off her toned figure in the hope it would motivate other mothers to start working out, she never imaged she’d go viral. Even so, she’s thankful for the experience.
In a new post on her Facebook page, Maria offers a heartfelt thank-you to all those who reached out to her to let her know that her example really did inspire them to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Especially in light of the controversy around her “What’s Your Excuse?” [for not working out] photo, their messages of love and support did wonders.
“I know some of you have seen the news and the motherhood/weight/bully/fat-shaming debate is on a roll. For those who have supported me and follow my site and this page I want to say THANK YOU. You know who I am. You know I have stretchmarks. I have excess skin. I get depressed,” Maria writes.
“I'm often overwhelmed and I'm not always motivated to eat healthy and exercise. But, I do it. I may splurge on chocolate or miss a workout – but I never stop, I never quit, and I never stop striving. I am a real mom, with real obligations and this is a real picture of me – excess skin and all – saying YOU are beautiful. Motherhood is beautiful. AND it can make you better!” she continues.
Maria has 3 children and holds down 2 jobs because her husband’s war injury prevents him from working. She works out for an entire hour up to 6 days a week, but doesn’t have a personal trainer or, for that matter, a nanny to help her out around the house.
Several months ago, she posted to Facebook a photo of herself with her 3 boys, captioned “What’s Your Excuse?” It got picked up by several major blogs just recently and went viral, leading to a heated debate on whether she really was inspirational or just plain ol’ bullying other moms and fat-shaming them.
As the uproar picked up, Kang issued a “first and final” apology (which was more of a non-apology), addressing the controversy to say that those who saw something negative in her photo were the ones with the problem, not her.
As we speak, the debate continues.