Madonna's vocal exercise

Madonna's vocal exercise

Madonna has defended her intense exercise regime, saying it helps hone her vocal skills.

The '4 Minutes' singer - who was photographed with bulging biceps as she left a London gym recently - believes people are unfairly critical of her dedication to working out.

She said: "My body is an important instrument as well as my voice. Does working out really help with singing? Yeah, absolutely. Using your diaphragm properly is connected to having good posture.

"Your body is one organism. You can't separate it. If you are not in good health your vocal cords will suffer. Everything will suffer."

Madonna also revealed people don't realise how shy she is, and often misread it as arrogance.

She added to Q magazine: "I can be shy, yeah - and nervous about things. And people will never think that of me. Shyness should be regarded as a quality? Yes. It can be read as arrogance."