Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank exercises to see how far she can push her body.

The 'Million Dollar Baby' star always makes time for her work-outs because she considers it as essential as eating or breathing.

She said: "I love getting the opportunity to recognise what your body's capable of. Being an athlete is something I enjoy. I don't even think of not exercising. It's like the air you breathe and the food and water you need."

The 35-year-old beauty says she was inspired to work out more after becoming mesmerised by the muscular form of African tribe members.

She explained: "You see these incredible bodies in Africa that are all muscle. They're running to hunt in these tribes. And you think, 'How does the body look like that?' But if you're utilising your body, you recognise it is a machine and it can be capable of whatever you need it to be.

Hilary Swank's ex-husband is still her "best friend".

The 35-year-old actress - who married actor Chad Lowe in 1997 and divorced in 2006 following a 14-year romance - remains close to her former spouse despite embarking on a new relationship with John Campisi just weeks after her split, and admits Chad will be in her heart forever.

She said: "Our marriage is really such a part of the past, it's over now. So there's no sense in diving back. He'll always be one of my best friends. You know you can't spend 14 years with someone and not carry them in your heart forever."

Hilary has also praised her ‘Amelia' co-star, Scottish hunk Ewan McGregor, but admits she was disappointed he didn't have any nude scenes in the film.

Hilary Swank says learning to fly is like reading a book.

The actress took piloting lessons to prepare for her role as famous aviator Amelia Earhart in upcoming movie 'Amelia', and says the experience of trying a new skill transported her back to childhood.

Hilary said: "Putting my hands on the wheel for the first time was a rush. After a certain age, there's not many firsts you experience in your life, so learning to fly reminded me of the childlike feeling of exhilaration when you first ride a bike or read a book."

Hilary, 35, was disappointed to be banned by film bosses from completing her full pilot training and plans to continue working towards her license in future - even though she struggled to get to grips with some elements of the course.

She explained to The Scotsman newspaper: "I'd like to get my licence and continue to go up on my own.

"I flew for 19 hours, but they couldn't let me go up when they were shooting. I taxi the plane - but that's on the ground, and I would like to see this through. What I didn't know when I started was the calculations that go into flying. It was like I was back in school doing calculus. I don't sweat much - but I'd do a two-hour flight and I'd be drenched from the concentration.