big country: RCA recording artist Jeff Bates was livin' large—and didn't like it. So he shaped up and wrote a song about it, just for MF

Men's Fitness, Sept, 2004

Soulful Southerner and country-music newcomer Jeff Bates has been bluing up the charts with his debut album, Rainbow Man, and hit single "I Wanna Make You Cry" But unlike the hard-drinkin', crazy-livin' country stars of yonder, Bates is serious about staying fit. So when MF asked Bates to write a song about staying in shape, he put down his six-shooter and picked up his six-string. Despite a hectic recording and performance schedule, Bates, 40, is able to lift weights three to four times per week and does a half-hour of cardio every day. He has been working out regularly for the past two years and now stands 5'9", 175 lbs. But despite his impressive regimen, Jeff wasn't always so fit. You should've seen him "50 Pounds Ago."

Rainbow Man is in stores now. Listen to "50 Pounds Ago" at mensfitness.com and jeffbates.net.