DAVID Beckham is hoping to stretch his career out until he’s 40 — by doing Pilates exercises.

The England star, 34 says he is in his best shape in years due to an hour-long daily Pilates  routine.

Beckham was introduced to Pilates — a stretching and breathing routine particularly popular with women — on loan at AC Milan.

He said: “I do an hour of Pilates a day. The medical set-up at Milan is fantastic and fitness-wise I am the best I have been for a long time.

David and wife Victoria, 35, have signed up for Pilates classes at Los Angeles’ exclusive Sports Club.

The Italian giants insist all their players take up Pilates as it helps with balance and suppleness.The fitness regime has reduced Becks’ body fat from 13.7 per cent to a super-toned 8.5 per cent.

German Joseph Pilates created the exercises early last century. They are practised by more than ten million, including the England cricket team and the New Zealand All Black rugby team