Moms Rock Swimsuits to Send a Message
Moms and workouts are an interesting pair: They need each other, but one (I think we know which) is always pushing the other away. And who can blame mothers, considering the time, energy, and selflessness required for a regular exercise routine? But Maria Kang — fitness entrepreneur, mom of three, social-media lightning rod, and professional motivator — has been making it her mission to help mothers all over the world stay fit, healthy, and willing to take time out for themselves to accomplish it.
STORY: Why I’ll Never Wear a Bikini
Kang, 33, first gained national notoriety two years ago when her “What’s Your Excuse?” photo went viral, inspiring some and infuriating others. But the Californian took her message to the next level, founding her No Excuse Mom Group, a nonprofit, global system of workout clubs for mothers, now thriving with 350 groups in 25 countries around the world. Their goal is simple: to encourage fitness, support, and community.
For three years running, Kang has gathered some of these inspiring moms together for empowering calendar shoots. This week, the 2016 edition of the “Fit Mom Swimsuit Calendar” is out, celebrating the moms, in all shapes and sizes and abilities, in her worldwide workout groups. And its message, Kang says, is vital.
STORY: Why Delivery Room Makeovers Aren’t Worth It
“Not only must we bring home the bacon, but we are expected to be in great shape, despite how responsible we are in other areas,” she tells Yahoo Parenting. “My efforts these past couple of years have been to not only showcase healthy role models, but also celebrate women of various sizes, shapes, and ages. The more you can relate to other bodies and other stories, the more feasible achieving good health can become.”
She admits she’s not always been as proud of her message as she is today, but is ready to own her oft-criticized past. “Being in the public eye has further taught me about personal responsibility — for everything you think, say, and do,” she says. “There is only one regret I have.” That, Kang says, is a comment she once made regarding obesity — “That’s not how a real woman looks like, or should look like” — which she says she wanted to take back instantly.
“I cringed internally, knowing, intuitively, it wasn’t accurate.” But, she adds, “I’ve redeemed myself in my public posts since, and I think with our new calendar, I am showing that regardless of where you are in your fitness journey, you should not be shamed, nor should you not love your body — and that everything begins with love and a desire to become your best self.”
Kang says she’s also learned a lot from her No Excuses Moms. “[They have] taught me to listen more — to the different health challenges, disorders, and diseases people face,” she says, something she was widely accused of ignoring when her original photo went viral. “I’ve learned how much we want to be heard, whether it’s to tell others why we struggle, why we succeed, or why a lack of motivation is often the crux of our failures. Not only do we want to be heard, but we want to connect with others.” Struggles of moms in her groups have ranged from cancer and injuries to PTSD and eating disorders (the last of which Kang herself has battled).
And Kang’s watching out for the rest of the family too, with a No Excuse Dad online group and a new No Excuse Kid elementary school program. “Surprisingly, I never created the ‘What’s Your Excuse?’ photo with moms in mind,” she says. “I thought about all the people without multiple children or any at all who made excuses why they couldn’t find time to prioritize their health. I didn’t realize what ‘Mommy Wars’ were before 2013, but thankfully I’ve been a champion for health and was able to fight for what I believe in without backing down.”
(Photos courtesy of Maria Kang)
Please follow @YahooParenting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Have an interesting story to share about your family? Email us at YParenting (at) Yahoo.com.
