Fit Mom Maria Kang Defends Photo & Admits ‘I Have Stretch Marks’

Maria Kang may have amazing workout dedication and rock-hard abs, but she's more than just her muscles. She spoke out to defend herself against women who were attacking her for being a 'fat-shamer' and 'bully.' The fit mom's controversial photo shows off her toned body after three kids -- but Maria said her body is far from perfect. In fact, she admits to having stretch marks and extra skin from her pregnancies! Maria Kang, 32, wants her dedicated fans -- and toughest critics -- to know that she's just a "real mom." The California mom's controversial photo of her posed in minimal workout gear showing off her amazing body and three young kids sparked a massive debate over whether her extreme fitness inspires or shames bodies. Maria posted a statement to her Facebook page, explaining that her own body is not a comment on anyone else's -- because it is also a work in progress.

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October 16, 2013 4:48PM EDT
Fit Mom Maria Kang
Image Credit: Courtesy of Facebook

Fit Mom Maria Kang Admits ‘I Have Stretch Marks’

Maria’s “What’s your excuse?” photo went viral after Facebook commenters called her photo “an attack from a society trying to shame people for not being ‘enough'” and “a slap in the face for moms with regular bodies.”

A lot of commenters felt that Maria’s body was inspirational, but her “What’s your excuse?” prompt was inappropriate. “She does look great. But her attitude is nasty,” one Facebook user said of her great body — but controversial headline.

Maria shared a message on her Facebook page on Oct. 15: 

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 stretch marks. I have excess skin. I get depressed. 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!

Maria Kang Bares Abs In Controversial Fitness Picture

Maria posed in a photo shoot with her three young sons just eight months after welcoming her youngest child — and her body looked absolutely sensational. The photo featured the headline “what’s your excuse?” The photo was intended to inspire others to get in shape — after all, if a busy mom of 3 youngsters can do it, it’s doable! — but some Facebook users interpreted Maria’s message as “fat shaming” and “bullying” women with less-toned physiques.

What do YOU think, HollyMoms? Can you believe that Maria said she has stretch marks?

WATCH: Maria Kang’s Favorite Workout Routine

— Kristine Hope Kowalski

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