Singer Ellie Goulding has said she documents her work in the gym to show "all the things I've overcome", telling her social media followers: "Nothing I do in the gym is for vanity."

Goulding regularly shares photos from the gym with her 6.6m followers on social media and on Tuesday wrote: "There aren't many muscular women in popular culture."

"To me it isn't intimidating or scary to be strong (in fact anyone who has met me knows I am the most pathetically shy and self deprecating person)," she explained. 

Goulding said "keeping fit and strong" had become her "ultimate escape" in recent years.

"I have no extraordinary athletic ability and I was crap at sports as a kid (I was so severely asthmatic I could barely even laugh without a coughing fit) but I've pushed myself and used all the willpower I can muster to keep at it," she continued.

"As hard as it is to stay motivated, especially right now, I still recommend it passionately for any mental health issues you are facing... even a small walk or jog.

"Ps - I didn't do any exercise today because I didn't want to! Might not tomorrow either."

Goulding concluded: "Love to all the strong women out there and to those just getting started - I am with you."

The Press Association reports that the 33-year-old has previously spoken about how she struggled to look after herself while on tour in her 20s and has since become an advocate for mental health awareness.

Click here for more music news.