At 43-years-old Jada Pinkett Smith looks better than ever, and it is all down to hard work and dedication. But the Hollywood actress' motivation to maintain such a toned physique isn't because her "husband of almost 20 years can't take his eyes" off her, it is for her mental state.

Jada Pinkett Smith
Pinkett Smith recently opened up about the importance of working out

While showing off her toned abs, arms, and overall desirable figure on the cover of Shape magazine's January/February 2015 issue, Pinkett Smith reveals why working out is so important to her, and how to live a healthy life.

"When my husband of almost 20 years can't take his eyes off me? That's amazing," she told the mag. "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."

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Although the 'Gotham' star only stands at 5-feet tall and weighs barely over 100 pounds, her strong self-belief and inner confidence is all about her state of mind. "It's an internal thing. I know that I'm petite but I never think like I am, ever," Pinkett Smith explained. "The truth is, there are times when I feel as big and tall as Will!"

Being a huge star and a mother of two children, as well as maintaining a strict fitness routine, is undoubtedly very challenging, but Pinkett Smith feels she is able to cope with all these stresses due to her tough upbringing.

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"Often we feel in order to be strong we have to take on male attributes," she said. "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."