In a world where many people think that beauty and youth usually go hand in hand, People magazine has proven that isn’t always the case by giving the honor of “Most Beautiful Woman of 2013” to a 40-year-old mom–Gwyneth Paltrow.

When Paltrow found out that she was receiving this designation, she was shocked.  “When I first heard that I was going to be on the cover of People’s most beautiful issue, I honestly thought someone was playing a joke on me and I had to reread the email three times,” Paltrow said.

While it may have come as a surprise to Paltrow that she was receiving the honor that Beyonce received last year and that she beat out stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and Kristen Stewart, this is the fourth time Paltrow has made the “Most Beautiful People” list (her first time on the cover).

A lot of moms pushing 40 wonder how Paltrow is able to keep the same figure she had when she won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love at age 26, before having two kids.  Paltrow says that her strict exercise regimen has helped her stay in shape as she ages.

She said that she works out five days per week, even though some days the workouts leave her in tears.  “A lot of days I don’t want to do it but I literally force myself, it’s sheer will,” Paltrow said in an interview.  The tough workout is obviously worth it, though. “It makes me look younger and feel strong,” Paltrow told People.

The “Most Beautiful People” list isn’t the only list Paltrow has made lately. Star magazine just named Paltrow to their “20 Most Hated Celebrities in Hollywood” list, where Paltrow was listed with celebrities such as Chris Brown and Lindsay Lohan.  Since you don’t often hear Paltrow’s name mentioned in the tabloids, it’s hard to imagine why she would be lumped in with a rapper who has been arrested for domestic violence and an actress whose rehab stints are a common occurrence.  Star listed several reasons for Paltrow making the “Most Hated” list, including her “pretentiousness” and “arrogance.”

When Paltrow isn’t busy being named to a magazine list, she takes care of her two children and works on the occasional acting project.  Her next film coming out is the third installment of the Iron Man series.  Paltrow will once again play Pepper Potts in Iron Man 3, which opens in theaters on May 3.