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exercise

Maria Kang’s Message Lost Amid Controversy

by Blair Kaplan

Credit: Mike Byerly Photography/Maria Kang
Credit: Mike Byerly Photography/Maria Kang

 

Maria Kang, a California mother of three, who came to be known as “Fit Mom” for her no nonsense approach to health and fitness is once again caught in the crosshairs of an ongoing public uproar.

Kang was the recipient of harsh criticism after an image that she posted to her Facebook page last year recently went viral. The picture of Kang, clad only in a sports bra and mini fitness shorts, and surrounded by her three young sons (aged three and under), features the question “What’s your excuse?”

The controversy surrounding Kang was reignited once again on November 22, when she responded to a photo campaign launched by Curvy Girl Lingerie, in which larger women are seen in their bras and underwear.

Kang expressed her annoyance in a post of the following on her Facebook page:

“1. We have a health issue in America with over 2/3 overweight or obese.

2. We have a healthcare crisis. We spend over 3 trillion in healthcare yearly!

3. We have a childhood obesity issue, with many children suffering from adult diseases like diabetes.

4. We have magazines everywhere praising the celebrity (with all her resources) for being fit after months of giving birth and scorn the “real every day mom” who is able to be successful.

5. We keep blaming the culprit (school lunches, fast food, etc) when the real change starts at home – ESP those who lead, which are the parents.

There are some serious contradictions in our society. I know many people still get riled up with me and my convictions but the truth is I KNOW how it is to work your ass off and not have energy at the end of your day. I know how it feels to be overweight and not drop an ounce after years of disordered eating. I know how difficult it is to raise multiple children – all born a year apart – and make my fitness and nutrition a priority. Lastly, I know how it feels like to grow up with an unhealthy mother wondering if she will live to see your wedding day.”

We need to change this strange mentality we are breeding in the U.S. and start celebrating people who are a result of hard work, dedication and discipline. I’m not bashing those who are proud and overweight, I am empowering those who are proud and healthy to come out and be the real role models in our society.”

Facebook, which suspended Kang’s account for three hours following her post, reportedly did so because several people had reported the post as “hate speech.” The account was suspended for two days before being restored without Kang’s post, with Facebook claiming a misunderstanding, telling Kang that she could repost her opinion if she wanted to.

Kang was surprised by Facebook’s reaction, saying “I was pretty shocked. I definitely think my freedom of speech was removed.”

As a former bulimic, Kang says that she did not intend to fat-shame overweight women, but impressed upon the fact that being obese is unhealthy and should not be celebrated.

“It’s never my intention to say someone should look a certain way,” she said. “But I am not going to stand here and say being obese is okay and we should accept that as the norm.”

While I don’t necessarily agree with the manner in which Kang went about stating her opinion, it cannot be denied that she surely has a point, and that she has gotten us talking about health and weight in this country — a discussion that despite an incredulous amount of diet supplements and focus on body image, has been long overdue.

It cannot be denied, as Kang says, that the money spent on poor health and its effects in this country are astronomical; the cost of being obese trickles down to almost every aspect of life. From the families of those affected, to the cost of healthcare, to the toll that poor self-esteem and depression can take, obesity has undoubtedly become an epidemic. It has also been scientifically proven that a healthy diet and exercise are the cure for most health issues and diseases associated with obesity. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that said healthy eating habits and exercise are the product of hard work, dedication, and sometimes will power (okay…always will power). These facts we know. So what exactly are we so angry about?

Sure it can easily be interpreted that Kang comes across as preachy, holier than thou, and in some respects even abrasive. Her “What’s your excuse?” mentality tends to pin those without abs against those with a hefty six pack. It can easily put those of us with cellulite on the defensive.

I understand, because the truth of the matter is that even at my fittest, I do not look like Maria Kang. I do not have a six pack, or a mere 18% body fat for that matter. However, hating Kang, or citing her for “hate speech” is not only outlandish and inappropriate (not to mention in my opinion highly unconstitutional), but it defeats what I believe to be Kang’s true message, which appears to be getting lost among the ridiculous hubbub.

I believe that in an age where we are so inundated with ideas, it is hard to get others to listen to what’s being said short of shock and awe. So instead of hating on Kang for the way that she looks, let’s break down what it is that she is trying to say, rather than how she is saying it. It may just prove helpful.

1. Obesity is unhealthy.

2. Being healthy means a healthy diet and exercise.

3. A healthy diet and exercise take work.

4. Lots of work.

5. We should work. Hard.

This is not to say that Kang thinks that we should all look like her clones. Just that we should strive to lead healthy lives instead of making excuses for our inaction. If you are obese there is no doubt that you are beautiful. You should hold your head up high and love yourself with every fiber of your being. And if you don’t, I implore you to start. In fact I demand that you do.

But as humans we are constantly evolving. That’s why each and every one of us should be able to look at ourselves and improve upon where we are. If we slack off in class and earn a D, should we not still strive for an A? We may come up short again, but what kind of life would we be living if we stopped trying all together?

Though I don’t agree with Kang’s approach, I agree with what it is that she is trying to say. And if you still don’t want to exercise or make Popeye proud, that’s your prerogative. I am certainly not in any position to tell you what to do. And if you don’t like what Kang has to say, you can take it with a grain of salt (atop of fries), or leave it altogether. But she is certainly entitled to voice her opinion.

Filed Under: OPINION, U.S. Tagged With: "What's your excuse?", controversy, exercise, Facebook, Fit Mom, Maria Kang, obesity

Crunch exercise tips with personal trainer Peter Morgese!

by Ryan Shea

We all want to have that great toned and fit body especially with the summer season rapidly approaching.  We all do the same routines at some point and they tend to get monotonous and ultimately not get the job done the way you want them to.  Well if you are looking for that new workout that is guaranteed to get you in really great shape for the summer and beyond, fear no more! Because Crunch Gym personal trainer and all around nice guy Peter Morgese is here to show you some of his unique workouts that he has come up with.  All of them involving none other than a towel or two.  Take a look at these great routines he has come up with!

You’re lucky this workout is with towels, because you’ll sure need them after it’s over.

Credit to: Crunch Fitness
Credit to: Crunch Fitness

Exercise #1: 45 Seconds

Plank Oblique Crunch

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Alternate each leg out and around towards the elbow and back to the original starting position.

Credit to: Crunch Fitness
Credit to: Crunch Fitness

Exercise #2: 45 Seconds

Plank to Crunch

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Thrust the hips up by engaging the rectus abdominis, until the body is at a 45 degree angle. Push the body down by using and disengaging the rectus abdominis.

Credit to: Crunch Fitness
Credit to: Crunch Fitness

Exercise #3: 45 Seconds

Mountain Climbers

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Alternate and pull each leg in towards the chest and back to it’s starting position.

How often should the client do each towel at- home exercise?

The workout should be done five times a week for 5 rounds, 45 seconds each exercise with a 20 second rest in between.

Targets the following muscles:

Oblique Crunches (Obliques)

Crunches (Rectus Abdominus)

Mountain Climbers (Rectus Abdominus)

What kind of surface should be used?

A smoother surface like wood or glazed cement

In terms of space, how big should the space be?

The space should give the person at least 10 inches of wiggle room from the left, right, front, and back or an 8X8 space)

Peter is an amazing trainer who is always coming up with innovative ways to keep you in shape and healthy for whatever goal weight or look you desire.  If you are thinking of joining Crunch or already a member there, you should definitely reach out to him and try him out. He is beyond worth it.  Here is some more info on him-

www.facebook.com/peter.morgese.9

www.twitter.com/petemorgese

And to follow all things Crunch Fitness related, don’t forget to check out their networking sites!

www.crunchgym.com

www.twitter.com/crunchgym

Filed Under: HEALTH, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: crunch, exercise, fitness, towel

Sweat Sweet: Soffe.com

by Ryan Shea

Soffe Shorts Zebra

Since putting on some extra pounds I’ve found my home away from home, these days, is the gym.  And as much as everyone likes to say “it’s a gym, not a fashion show,” us ladies know better.  Throwing on oversized sweat pants and an extra large T-shirt seems like the logical idea, until you pass the mirror and realize what a bum you look like.  Not to mention, it is extremely hard to feel good when the exterior looks lousy.  I’ve tried throwing on a pair of leggings and a cute tank top and all that leads to is wedgies and sweat stains, eww!  But today I came across an awesome site that sells cute work out gear, www.soffe.com!  So, if you’ve read my previous articles, you know how much I LOVE to shop online, and when I saw the fabulous fitness wear on Soffe.com I knew I had to spread the word.  They have everything from shorts, to straight leg pants, tee shirts, and tank tops.  Everything is so stylish and comfy.  Best part, awesome deals!  Now don’t get me wrong, the clothes are affordable regardless, but who doesn’t love a sweet deal (pardon the V-day pun)?  So for Valentine’s Day they have 25% off some really cute clothes.  SOme of my faves are;

The Printed Authentic Soffe Shorts (the prints I’m showing are just 2 of my tops but they have 37 choices!!)

Soffe Shorts Zebra
Printed Authentic Soffe Shorts in Zebra
Soffe Shorts Reptile
Printed Authentic Soffe Shorts – Painted Reptile

I am obsessed with these funky shorts and am having ADD trying to pick my favorite one!

Ok, so in the past, I don’t know, 4 years I have completely given up any kind of bell bottom.  I love that straight legs are in and I really like how they look on me.  That being said, I can never find straight leg sweats, not leggings, but FINALLY I’ve found them !

Soffe Nu-Wave Skinny Sweats

Skinny Sweats
Soffe Nu-Wave Skinny Sweats – Gun Metal

So these bad boys come in Gun Metal (as shown) or black and only $26 bucks…Love it!

And if you are into the legging thing they have them too … Only these are made for movement and won’t ride up when you are on the elliptical or treadmill.

Print Leggings
Soffe Print Leggings – Disco Animal

Soffe.com has so many awesome items and the 25% off Valentines Day bunch are gorg!  There is so much if I kept writing you’d be here till tomorrow, so I will start to wrap it up.

This site has everything from yoga pants to pool shorts, tennis skirts to tiny shorts, and tank tops to tee shirts.  And don’t fret boys there is just as much options for you, but I’m not really an expert on men’s wear.  But I will tell you this, I’m not mad at the selection.  I could only hope some of the boys that I see at the gym grunting and grinning will see this article and step their gym gear up!

This site is an exercise junkie’s dream, a cheerleader’s heaven, and for those of us who have a love hate relationship with physical activity, a way to look sweet while sweating!  Check them out and let me know what you think!

25% Off Valentine's Day Sale
25% Off Valentine’s Day Sale

Filed Under: FASHION, HEALTH, LIFESTYLE, OPINION, REVIEWS, SPORTS, STYLE, U.S. Tagged With: 25% off, animal print, clothes, cute, deal, elliptical, exercise, fitness, free shipping, gym, gym clothes, leggings, shorts, soffe, soffe.com, sweat, sweat pants, sweet, tennis, tennis skirt, treadmill, valentine, valentine's day, work out, working out, yoga, yoga pants

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