Ricki Lake: 'Dancing with the Stars doesn't feel like workout'

Ricki Lake has confessed that she does not consider her intense training regimen for Dancing with the Stars to be a workout.

The actress and former talkshow host revealed that while she has lost several dress sizes since joining the ABC competition, she genuinely enjoys the challenge of learning new routines and pushing her body as far as it can go.

"I'm using muscles I wouldn't use in the gym or hiking, which is what I love to do. Dancing doesn't feel like working out…even though I'm covered in sweat!" Lake told US Weekly.

"I'm working so hard. It's a challenge to really push my body, but it's so fun! I've lost at least 15 inches and I feel great!"

Lake recently insisted that she is happy with her progress but understands that she will never be as thin as former contestants Chynna Phillips and Jennifer Grey.

She has said that she would feel comfortable losing Dancing with the Stars to fellow competitor JR Martinez as his story is an inspiring one to hear.