The original “fit mom” has radically changed her controversial philosophy and we support it

Channing Sargent
Updated
The original “fit mom” has radically changed her controversial philosophy and we support it
The original “fit mom” has radically changed her controversial philosophy and we support it

Maria Kang, the mommy fitness blogger who gained fame for posting a photo that showed off her chiseled physique while surrounded by her three young children, and the headline “What’s Your Excuse” recently gained ten pounds, and is being vocal about the change.

She shared photos from a recent shoot in which her stretch marks are clearly visible, and her body slightly more curvy, and told People that she isn’t as hardcore about the “no excuses” lifestyle she used to preach.

Usually, before photoshoots, Kang would follow a strict 10-12 week diet, eliminate water weight, and spend weeks planning her outfits and beauty prep.

But for this photoshoot, she just went about her life until it was time to get in front of the camera.

Thank you to everyone for your kind, supportive and encouraging comments from yesterday's post! I know we all strive to be "ready" for events, vacations or just feel good enough to wear a swimsuit or take a photo! Sometimes we will mentally never be where we think we should be, so just show up! Just do it! Just be proud of where you are in your life's journey! As someone who works with the elderly, I promise you, you will look back at old photos and events when you were insecure and think, "what was I thinking ?!" In gratitude, here's another raw image from @brittenphoto ❤️ (she's so amazing even her untouched files look great!) There are so many things we can nitpick, so many areas that many feel should be photoshopped - but why not show who we authentically are? This is me. #noshame #brittenphoto #noexcusemom #mariakang

A photo posted by Maria Kang (@mariakangfitness) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:50am PDT

“This is a raw photo with absolutely no retouching, no preparation and no shame. I’m finding my beauty again, I’m discovering my strength again and I’m relearning what it means to be brave, bold and unapologetic about where I am in my life’s journey.”

I usually have several rituals before I do a photoshoot: - If I'm not within my desired weight range I would diet 10-12 weeks prior - Two weeks before I shoot I would up my cardio and decrease my carbs - A week prior I would start prepping my clothes, applying facial masks and doing a manicure - The day of I would try to eliminate extra water from my body, ensure I was shooting in the morning (before I ate and was refreshed). HOWEVER - in the last several months I've been over-traveling, over-stressed and over "it" as I'm undergoing many life challenges and changes. While my sister n law, @brittenphoto in town, I decided just a couple hours before she had to leave on a plane to do an impromptu photoshoot. It's been over a year since I could get in front of a professional camera because I never felt 'ready enough'. There were constantly events, children, stress and even some depression, that prevented me from following through on my quarterly goals. Despite how 'unready' I felt, I thought about all the women I encourage to be proud of how far they've come and to celebrate their body at every stage of progression. I am in no way out of shape, but I am definitely and admittedly hard on myself because I rarely see extra skin, cellulite, muscles or a size greater than a 2 on a magazine cover. I rarely see Asians in the media! (that's a different topic!) So I have all those things. I shot this in the afternoon after eating a donut (thanks to my bff who owns a shop!) I didn't exercise for 4 days prior and was tired after a day working and being with my kids. AND I am 10lbs up since I shot that "What's Your Excuse" photo! So here I am. This is a raw photo with absolutely no retouching, no preparation and no shame. I'm finding my beauty again, I'm discovering my strength again and I'm relearning what it means to be brave, bold and unapologetic about where I am in my life's journey. #noexcusemom #mariakang #brittenphoto

A photo posted by Maria Kang (@mariakangfitness) on Sep 29, 2016 at 10:11am PDT

“I struggled with my reflection for some time,” Kang reveals, “I stopped feeling beautiful. Like most moms, my hair is always in a bun, my life is always on the go and my fitness goals are always one of my last priorities. I struggled with motivation, I’ve gained some weight and am experiencing difficult marital challenges.”

I've been getting an influx of new followers, emails and comments (on my profile pic) recently. Some saying I'm a bully,...

Posted by Maria Kang on Wednesday, September 25, 2013

“I’ve gained 10 lbs. since my ‘What’s Your Excuse’ photo and I’m not hiding from that fact. I want to empower others to step in front of the camera and be unapologetic, thankful and proud of where they are today. Beauty is in our minds and is reflected in the eyes of the people who truly love you.”

Here's a tip for everyone feeling bloated from this long weekend! When I travel I usually get bloated and retain water easily from savory foods, humidity and the ocean. Some of the things I do to help detox and cleanse my system is drink water with lemon, massage my belly via Belly Ball, eat raw foods when I can (like salads and fruit) and take dandelion root either in capsules or liquid drops with water. Today we went swimming in the North Shore of Oahu and visited Waimea Falls (in background). Feeling thankful.

A photo posted by Maria Kang (@mariakangfitness) on Sep 6, 2016 at 10:03pm PDT

“It doesn’t matter if you are skinny, fit, overweight or obese, if you don’t live in gratitude, you will never see what you truly have and who you truly are.”

It seemed like Maria was starting to change her “no excuses” tune when she recently posted this caption on Instagram.

“I began struggling with being a ‘fitness person’ on social media as I don’t post workout videos, motivational quotes, clean meals and gym selfies. I don’t have a rock hard physique, I have several other priorities and sometimes I give into chocolate (esp when it feels like it cures everything). Fitness is not my life, it’s a part of my life.”

Not everyone can maintain the immense pressures put upon them by living a public Instagrammable life and tbh, WE LOVE this new philosophy. Some moms found Kang’s former “No Excuses” mantra to mean she was shaming mommies who don’t get in crazy great shape. But this new philosophy embraces one’s natural, beautiful flaws, and we’re all for it.

The post The original “fit mom” has radically changed her controversial philosophy and we support it appeared first on HelloGiggles.