Abby Pell is a nutritionist and mother to a 6-year-old girl. She uses her Facebook and Instagram accounts to motivate others to get in shape and seek healthier lifestyles.
However, one particular photo caused a firestorm on social media. The photo shows off Pell's six-pack abs as her daughter gasps at her physique.
The caption reads, "I have a kid, a six pack, and no excuse." Mothers everywhere became furious. Who was this woman to say that everyone should have a body like hers?
"She's teaching her kid that anyone who doesn't conform has no excuse, they're just lazy," one commenter wrote.
Many felt Pell's message was a lot like Maria Kang's message on body image: If you're not thin then you're not trying. However, Pell insists that she posted the picture to make people laugh and motivate them.
“I just thought it would be funny,” Pell said. “My message was about having a choice, and showing people that it can be achieved if you want to achieve it, and just by leading by example."
While Pell may have had good intentions, in a much larger context, the image only added to the growing pressure of mothers being forced to snap back into shape weeks after pregnancy.
“Let’s give props to this person who obviously is in great shape,” said ABC News’ Dr. Jennifer Ashton. "But let’s also recognize that shaming people is usually not a powerful motivational tool. And I think that, certainly, when you’re talking about moms bouncing back from pregnancy, we have enough pressure on us as mothers."
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