Henry Cavill still can't believe the physique he achieved to play Superman in 'Man of Steel'.

The British actor didn't want to rely on CGI (computer-generated imagery) or make-up to provide him with the perfect body to play the superhero so he undertook a gruelling exercise regime instead but admitted he is still shocked he pulled it off.

Speaking in the December issue of Britain's Men's Health magazine, he said: "I had a big sense of pride. I was like, 'No shading. I don't want you to draw abs on me. I don't want you to put dirt in the right places. I just want to do it myself. I want to have the body.'

"I think the best thing I learned was that I can do it. A lot of people think they probably can't, until they actually do. When I saw pictures I would say 'Is that me?' You don't quite realise. It taught me that anything is possible."

While getting in shape for his role in 'Man of Steel' was tough, Henry revealed he eventually grew to love working out.

He said: "It's a great feeling to be in shape and strong. I don't mean that in an arrogant way at all. But you go to the gym and train hard every day and you learn how far you can push yourself. That becomes rewarding in itself."