Sophie Turner credits her new passion for exercise with boosting her self-confidence after training for her new role in X-Men: Apocalypse.

The Game of Thrones star was put through her paces for more than an hour a day, six days a week as she prepared to make her debut as a young Jean Grey in the superhero movie, but what seemed like a chore at first, quickly became something she looked forward to.

"It was all outside, around London, which was more fun than being cooped up in a gym," the 20-year-old told SELF magazine. "I need to do fun stuff that takes my mind off the fact that I'm working out."

Her trainer, James Farmer, concocted a fitness program which involved hill sprints, boxing moves, and kettle bells to keep Sophie motivated, and the intense sessions did wonders for both her mind and body

"Exercise has made me feel more positive about my body, less self-conscious," she explained. "I don't know if I look any different, but I feel stronger, and I can do more, which is such a good feeling. It's so liberating."

The actress is now keen to revisit her ballerina past by enrolling in barre classes.

"All last night I was looking at them on Instagram!" she exclaimed.

And all of her movie training has inspired Sophie to adopt a more health-conscious diet to suit her lifestyle change.

"I've really embraced healthy eating," she beamed. "It makes you feel a lot better and more energetic. I'm inspired to get up and out."