Salma Hayek doesn't like working out.

The 48-year-old actress - who has seven-year-old daughter Valentina with her husband François-Henri Pinault - rarely hits the gym and credits running around after her little girl for her svelte figure in the new action thriller 'Everly'.

She said: ''I don't like to work out but I've tried to get into the best shape I've ever been in. When you're running around looking after your daughter you're also doing a lot of work so I was able to manage pretty well on the set.''

The brunette beauty - who plays the title character and is forced to fend off assassins sent by her mob boss ex in the picture - loves playing a ''tough woman'' and hopes the movie inspires people to find the strength they need to get out of ''abusive'' situations.

She explained to Total Film magazine: ''You also get a kick out of playing a really tough woman.

''Women are very tough even though we often don't show it.

''This kind of story is inspiring for anyone who has felt frustrated or dominated and doesn't know how to escape an abusive situation.''