Brett Young Talks Sobriety, Fitness, and Why He Went Shirtless on His New Album Cover

At 44 years old, Brett Young is in the best shape of his life. He recently quit drinking and has dialed into his workouts to become the best version of himself possible. 

During a recent interview with Muscle & Fitness, Young recalled his decision to stop drinking in January 2024 and shared how it’s impacted him. 

“I just decided that [alcohol] was not serving me at all,” he told the publication. “In fact, it’s doing nothing but make life more difficult.”

As he approaches the two-year sobriety mark, the father of two is dialed in to his fitness, finding himself in the gym two hours a day, six days a week. 

“I went from getting really kind of worthless workouts where I would spend 30 or 45 minutes in the gym, to workouts that are about two hours a day,” he explained. “I don’t feel like it’s freed up a lot of time in my day. In fact, it’s probably costing me an extra hour a day because I’m feeling so good. I’m spending more time in the gym. That being said, I think it’s added quality to the time that I do have.”

Young named his recently released fourth studio album, 2.0, something that reflects the changes he’s made both personally and professionally. 

“There’s been a lot of changes in my life in terms of health and wellness and fitness over the last 18, 19 months that kind of have turned into this new 2.0 version of myself,” Young said. “Having young children at home, and starting to get older, you start to realize—with so much more knowledge about what is good and bad for you these days. I did a deep dive into how to become the best version of myself possible. That meant longevity and being around for my kids as long as possible.”

Now, he’s sleeping better, his workouts are more successful, and he has more energy than ever. 

“I wear an Oura ring when I sleep,” he revealed. “And the only way I knew how trash my sleep was while I was still drinking versus now… I’m getting quality sleep. It’s a game changer.”

On June 20, Young released his fourth studio album, 2.0, via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The 11-track project showcases his life today as a husband and girl-dad, while also featuring collaborations with Lady A, George Birge, and Hannah McFarland, who joins him on a reimagined version of his career-defining hit, “In Case You Didn’t Know.”

The album cover famously shows Brett Young shirtless, a choice he admits wasn’t the original plan, but ultimately felt right.

“I really don’t know how that one won out for the album cover, but it is definitely the first shirtless album cover we’ve done,” Young told Muscle & Fitness with a laugh. “We were kind of thinking a little more editorial when we shot that picture. But when we decided 2.0 was the name of the album, that’s kind of the place that I’m at in my life. That picture started to make a little bit more sense.”

Soon, Brett Young will take the stage in Nashville for Big Machine 20, featuring his label mates like Riley Green and Carly Pearce, on August 29th. His Back To Basics World Tour 2025 continues through November 6th.