Madonna - Madonna Defends Fitness Obsession

MADONNA has brushed off criticism of her overly-muscled body - insisting she needs to keep in shape because it's her job.

The Material Girl has sparked concerns about her obsession with fitness with her prominent biceps and frequent trips to the gym.

But the 51 year old is adamant she needs a rigorous training regime in order to cope with her strenuous on-stage dance routines.

She tells British TV 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."