Cardi B is not here for the criticism, especially just days after welcoming her third child. The 31-year-old rapper swiftly responded to fans who questioned her postpartum workout routine just 8 days after giving birth. Cardi took to her Instagram Story on Sunday night to share glimpses of her workout, and some fans weren’t happy about it, told Page Six.
“Since I’m off tonight, I’m doing a late night gym session… No heavy lifting, no weight, just straight stair master until next week and I start with @fitking_plem,” Cardi wrote in her post, adding that this is her third child with her estranged husband Offset, 32. The rapper recently shared the news of their baby girl’s birth on Thursday, according to PEOPLE.
“Remember ladies, this is my third baby… with my other two babies I was still on bed rest on my first week postpartum,” Cardi added, explaining why she was taking a different approach this time.
Despite her explanation, many fans took to social media to criticize her decision to work out so soon after giving birth. However, Cardi didn’t hesitate to respond, making it clear that her routine wasn’t about bouncing back for appearance but for mental health.
“I’m not doing heavy lifting, no muscle straining, squatting, none of that… just cardio,” Cardi clarified on Twitter. “Sometimes to avoid postpartum depression you gotta keep your mind busy, and for me that’s work and staying active.”
One fan brought up the pressures women in the entertainment industry face to lose weight after childbirth. Cardi fired back, reminding everyone of the body-shaming she endured during her pregnancy.
“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???” Cardi clapped back, pointing out the hypocrisy.
“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 it’s FOR ME because either way y’all are gonna have something to say,” Cardi added, expressing her frustration.
The fan clarified that their comment was a general observation about societal pressure, not a personal attack, which Cardi acknowledged. “Totally babe!! And I do agree about society and pressure… I just was never the type to care about snap back after birth,” the rapper concluded, showing that she understands the larger issue while standing firm on her personal approach to postpartum care.