INSIDE EDITION caught up with Maria Kang, who sparked controversy with a photo she said was intended to inspire moms everywhere to stay in shape.
"What's your excuse for not having a perfect body?"
That's what a hot mom of three little boys asked other mothers everywhere in a challenge posted on Facebook that's causing an uproar.
"You are a bully with a super inflated sense of your own self," said one post.
"Those precious little things need their mommy more than they need you to have glamour muscles," said another.
Today, 32-year-old Maria Kang is defending herself at her Sacramento, California home.
Kang said, "I wanted to be a representative to inspire people. I wanted to say, 'I know you think you don't have time if you have kids. But if I can do it, you can do it, too.' "
In the photo, which has gone viral with more than 16 million views, Kang posed in a workout bra and matching micro shorts as she revealed a perfectly toned body—and check out those washboard abs. Around her are three-year-old Christian, two-year-old Nicholas, and eight-month-old Gabriel.
Kang's a working mom who doesn't have a nanny. Her husband, David Casler, isn't able to work because he suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq where he was a private security contractor.
So how does Kang possibly find time to work out?
Kang said, "Whatever it takes, if you have five or ten minutes, as long as you have legs, you have what it takes to make it happen. No excuses!"
Maria has also gotten positive posts like, "Well done!" and "Get a life and leave this woman alone."
"I created the photo to say, "If I can do it, so can you,' " said Kang.
