Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith works out to feel "sane".

The 'Gotham' star - who has Willow, 14 and Jaden, 16, with her husband, actor Will Smith - has confessed she works hard in the gym to maintain her slim figure and to help her focus on other areas of her life.

She explained: "When my husband of almost 20 years can't take his eyes off me? That's amazing.

"But the number one reason I go to the gym is because it keeps me sane; I can deal with whatever's coming at me."

The 43-year-old actress - who stands at just five feet tall - also credits her confidence and pride for making her feel more powerful than her tiny frame.

She said: "It's an internal thing. I know that I'm petite but I never think like I am, ever.

"The truth is, there are times when I feel as big and tall as Will!"

Jada also puts her confidence down to her upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was forced to toughen up from a young age.

She told Shape magazine: "Often we feel in order to be strong we have to take on male attributes. I grew up on the streets of Baltimore and had to put out an energy that said, 'You do not want to mess with me.'

"But I'm okay. I feel safe now...I can focus on love, compassion, openness, and yes, vulnerability."