Elsa Pataky Got Real About the "Ups and Downs" and "Constant Work" in Marriage

It's been almost 10 years since Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky tied the knot, but the superhero couple and down-to-earth family know that it takes work every single day to do what they do. The 44-year-old actress and fitness enthusiast sat down with Australia's Body+Soul magazine and opened up about motherhood and her seemingly picture-perfect marriage to Thor himself. "It's funny that people think of us as a perfect couple," she said. "No way. It's been ups and downs, and we still keep working at the relationship. I think a relationship is constant work. It's not easy." The Fast & Furious 6 star added: "I always try to see the positives of things."

Elsa started to really understand that work both physically and emotionally following the birth of their daughter in 2012. "I had to slow down during my pregnancies and I couldn't exercise as hard as I wanted," she said, adding: "I remember feeling a bit lost when I had India. I thought my life was going to be the same [when I had kids] and I would keep working. But I couldn't. Chris would come home and say, 'How was your day?' And I didn't feel proud to say: I'm just a mum. But you should. Because it's the hardest but greatest job in the world."

Elsa and Chris have three kids — 8-year-old daughter India Rose and 6-year-old twin sons Tristan and Sasha — but no matter the roles that come up for her, motherhood will always be the one she's most proud of. "I really liked being with the kids," Elsa said. "I wanted to take them to school and pick them up every day. I just love that moment. I didn't grow up with my parents [around] and I missed that so much, so I wanted to give that to my kids." She added: "I love acting, but having balance is important to me. So, if something comes along that fits into my life and lets me work close to home, then I'm happy to do it."

Check out photos of Elsa and Chris's family life ahead.