Source: AB+DM / AB+DM
After safely delivering her third child on Sept. 7, Cardi B is back in the gym determined to achieve the “snap back” body she aimed for this summer. However, some fans worry that the pressure to look a certain way, given her demanding career, might be overwhelming for her.
On Sept. 16, the “Bongos” rapper addressed a fan on X who questioned whether she had enough time to “rest” and recover before jumping back into the gym just two weeks after giving birth to her second daughter with estranged husband Offset. The former couple also co-parent their eldest daughter, Kulture, and son, Wave.
“It’s barely been a week. Yoh, the pressure women in the industry are under? Insane,” the concerned fan penned underneath a video of the rapper hitting the StairMaster just two weeks fresh off her delivery.
Without hesitation, Cardi, 31, stepped into to set the record straight.
“Sometimes to avoid postpartum depression you gotta keep your mind busy and for me that’s work and staying active… but you know what’s funny?? Y’all dragged me down when I gained 15 pounds because I was 5 months pregnant but now y’all fake concerned and wanna talk about pressure???” the Grammy winner replied, referencing criticism she faced over the summer about her pregnancy weight gain.
“Y’all said I was pregnant to avoid working, now that you see, I’m still at it, it’s something else?? So, yeah I’m taking this personal, but its FOR ME, because either way, y’all are gonna have something to say.”
Cardi is spot on! There are benefits to working out post-delivery.
New moms can benefit from working out postpartum with a safe and effective routine as long as it’s approved by their doctor. In fact, working out postpartum offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health, making it an essential aspect of recovery for new mothers.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, physically postpartum exercise helps to strengthen core muscles such as the abdomen, that may have weakened during pregnancy, improving posture and reducing back pain. It enhances cardiovascular fitness, aids in weight management, and boosts overall energy levels, which can be particularly valuable during the demanding early months of motherhood. Regular physical activity can also promote better flexibility and balance, helping to prevent injuries as mothers adapt to carrying and caring for their babies.
On the mental health side, engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters that can alleviate and combat symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, Mayo Clinic notes. This boost in mood can be incredibly beneficial during a time that can be emotionally challenging. Furthermore, incorporating fitness into a daily routine can provide a sense of structure and accomplishment, fostering a positive self-image as mothers reconnect with their bodies.
Exercise also offers a valuable opportunity for social interaction, whether through group classes or walking with other new moms, helping to combat feelings of isolation.
Source: Dave Benett / Getty
Moderate-intensity workouts are key post-pregnancy.
After having a baby, its recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can break this down into five 30-minute workouts or smaller 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day, making it flexible to fit your schedule.
In her Instagram Story shared Sept. 15, Cardi revealed that she returned to the gym post–delivery to do 30-minute workouts on the StairMaster.
“I’m not doing heavy lifting, no muscle straining, squatting none of that… just cardio,” the mother of three wrote.
StairMaster routines are beneficial for new moms as they can strengthen muscles and improve bone health while offering a versatile alternative to traditional stair climbing. It may help relieve knee pain, build stronger glutes, and accelerate calorie burning. According to Healthline, a 30-minute workout can burn between 180 to 260 calories or more, depending on your weight and workout intensity. It’s an efficient tool for weight loss or management.
Cardi’s hard work is paying off, because the rapper has been thriving from her 30-minute StairMaster routines, recently showcasing her radiant post-pregnancy body at Paris Fashion Week in several figure-hugging outfits. Among them was a dazzling metallic gold gown from the French label Rabanne, worn to the brand’s Spring 2025 ready-to-wear show on Sept. 25. The dress featured intricate tassels that brought a playful flair to her glamorous appearance.
Cardi B at the Rabanne Paris Fashion Week Show: Front Row – Source: Peter White / Getty
Cardi couldn’t care less about what people think. She just wants to feel good post-pregnancy
In the end, the fan apologized for their comment, assuring the rapper that they meant no harm. They expressed the importance of highlighting society’s unrealistic “expectations of women” and the dangers associated with “snap back” culture.
While Cardi agreed, she said she could care less about what bullies have to say about her body.
“I do agree about society and pressure…I just was never the type to care about snap back after birth. I don’t know what it is about this time around but I have this burst of energy where I want to do EVERYTHING… It’s like I want to complete all my goals in one day,” she added.
We love seeing Cardi B shine as a new mother of three—life can be challenging! Let’s let her enjoy her StairMaster workouts in peace.
RELATED CONTENT: What’s Good? Rap Beef Escalates Between BIA And Cardi B
