Maria Kang became an internet sensation after the photo she posted a year ago went viral recently. The image of a well-toned mum with washboard abs, posing with her 3 little sons was intended to inspire other mothers out there to be ‘hot mums’.
But the image backfired; many women took it as an insult. The confronting “What’s Your Excuse?” slogan fueled further uproar.
32-year-old Maria tells Yahoo Shine the true message behind the image: “I know you think you don’t have time if you have kids. But if I can do it, you can do it, too
‘Stoned’ with hostile comments
It is almost impossible to look at the photo and not form an opinion. Shared on Facebook 13,967 times with 19424 comments (and still counting) the rest of the world certainly had plenty to say.
Most of the comments are from women, specifically mothers, voicing their resentment at being referred to as lazy.
It’s not easy to regain your pre-natal figure. But staying healthy through exercise is achievable even with kids
Maria Kang is rebuked for being ‘insensitive’ when she claims if she – a mum to 3 young boys and owner of 2 businesses – can make time to look the way she does, then other mothers also have no excuse.
RELATED: Getting back in shape after childbirth
Here are some of the Facebook comments from other mums:
“When your children are school-aged, and perhaps struggling with their work (which happens), will you sacrifice your workouts to help them, or will you feel the need to maintain your image?
“This woman probably has a nanny… and doesn’t work full time…It takes a lot of time to be that fit and if ur [sic] a single mom working to support ur [sic] family you may not have all of that time.”
Read on to find out Maria’s response…next page please!
Hot mum defends herself
Maria, a recovering bulimic, posted a snap-back ‘apology’ on Facebook recently:
“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 2 businesses, have no nanny, am not naturally skinny and do not work as a personal trainer.”
“What I WILL say is this. What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours.”
She then later posted a photo of herself where loose folds of skin around her stomach are quite visible.
“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!”
Realities of motherhood: where is the time for exercise?
There is no doubt that motherhood is a full-time job. And for working mothers with many obligations, juggling full-time employment and family is difficult. So how do you find time for a gym session?
RELATED: Striking the perfect balance as working parents
It can be done with a bit of thought and planning. A fitness routine need not be complex or time-consuming. Nor should it compromise your time with your children, if you involve them in your exercise routines.
Getting your little ones involved in your fitness routine means you get to spend time with them and exercise your way to a level of fitness that agrees with you. Not only does it provide valuable bonding time, it also introduces the idea of healthy living to your kids. As tiring as the idea of exercise sounds when you have kids, it’s been scientifically proven to help fight fatigue, boosting your energy for a more productive day.
Read on for exercises mothers can do with their kids.
Fitness activities for mums and kids
- Yoga: an ideal activity for mother and child to do together, and there are many places in Singapore that offer mum-child classes.
Mother & Child offers yoga and post-natal yoga for mums and infants. Their two outlets:
Tanglin Centre
- Address: 03-11 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore, 247933
- Phone: (65) 6836-0063
- Email: info@motherandchild.com.sg
East Coast Clinic
- Address: 20 Siglap Drive, #01-02 Bowmont Centre, Singapore, 456192
- Phone: (65) 6446-7236
- Email: admin@osteopathsingapore.com
2. Cycling: Singaporeans are spoiled for choice when it come to lovely cycling and jogging tracks. Plus you can hire bikes with child seats for a fun ride for your little one and a great work-out for you.
RELATED: The wonders of a half-hour walk with your kid
3. Jogging: Running with your child in a jogging stroller is super-exciting for your little one plus gives you a better workout than jogging by yourself. Jogging strollers can be purchased online from https://www.babyjogger.sg/
4. Home exercise: there are plenty of exercise DVDs out there so you can work-out in the comfort of your own home. Or you could even stream Les Mills exercise videos off YouTube. Check out what Les Mills exercise is all about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkDkfGcz-x0
However you choose to interpret Maria’s words, the reality is that exercise is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and help ward off unwanted medical conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease (a flat stomach would be an added bonus!).
So if you can, do try to squeeze in some of the mum-friendly exercise options we suggest into your busy schedule. After all, there is nothing that mums cannot do or achieve if they put their minds to it!
How do you fit exercise into your day without compromising time with your family? Do share your tips and ideas by leaving a comment.