Move over, Jelly Roll, there’s a new country star showing off his massive weight loss achievements.
Singer-songwriter Ernest has emerged as the latest star committed his transform his body in. The “Would If I Could” songster took to Instagram over the weekend to reveal a dramatic wellness milestone: losing nearly 40 pounds lost in just four months. The newer and leaner Ernest attributes his disciplined approached to the popular TNM Lifestyle 120 Hard Challenge for the weight loss .
On Saturday, Ernest, who’s been hitting several cities in support of Lainey Wilson’s current tour, shared before-and-after photos with his 2025 followers, candidly detailing his journey: “On May 25th, I decided to do the @tnmlifestyle 120 hard challenge… I started at 253lbs and as of today I am 215,” he wrote. “It has been a truly life-changing journey. Just little decisions and habits that, over time, have just become the norm.”
Ernest admitted the process wasn’t always perfect, but emphasized the importance of consistency: “I had days I coulda been way better and I did the most I could in the gym with what my schedule would allow, but I feel better than I have in years.”
He concluded with a promise to keep going, teasing, “I don’t think I’m gonna stop here, though. I wanna see what I can do between now and Christmas… 👀”
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Country Stars Respond t Ernest’s 40 pound weight loss.
The idea for the challenge took root in late spring, as Ernest watched fellow country stars like Jelly Roll and Kane Brown embark on their own fitness journeys. Inspired, he committed to the TNM Lifestyle’s 120-day regimen, focusing on high-protein, low-carb meals, and rigorous workouts six to seven times a week. He kept fans updated with meal snaps—think chicken, broccoli, avocados, and blueberries—and workout videos, even squeezing in pushups before this past summer’s Nashville 500.
After week one, the popular songwriter, well known for his hits he’s penned for stars like Morgan Wallen such as “I had some help” exceeded his initial goal of 35 pounds. His peers took notice and gave an outpouring of support.
Travis Denning cheered, “You ERN’d it. You look incredible, brother,” while Midland’s Mark Wystrach simply dropped a flex emoji.
Jelly Roll, who’s lost over 200 pounds responded most notably. “This inspires me… I was going to take today off, but nah, I’m trying the running shoes now. Let’s goooooooo.”
Trainer Todd Norman, creator of the 120 Hard Challenge summed it up best: “When dedication and discipline meet the right training program, nutrition plan, and professional supervision, big results happen 💪”