Madge: Gym comes with the job

Madonna insists working out is part of her job.

The 51-year-old singer - who has previously faced criticism for her overly-toned physique - claims it is important for her to exercise regularly as she has to look as good as she can when wearing her skimpy stage outfits.

She told British television show 'GMTV': "I do it for health reasons, and for aesthetic reasons. If I have to go out on stage and, you know, jump around in a pair of hot pants I better look good and also when I perform I'm like an athlete and I have to be in good shape.

"I'm not panicked, I just know what my job is and I know that if I want to be able to wear whatever I want to wear on stage then my body better look good."