Tim McGraw Says Sobriety Improved His Marriage

Tim McGraw is gearing up for the release of a new album and a new tour and, in the meantime, he’s talking a bit about how choosing sobriety has changed his life in ways he probably could not have even imagined before.

The latest issue of celebrity publication People brings an in-depth interview with the star, as well as exclusive photos of himself shooting hoops and riding a bike – and showing off his incredibly toned physique.

Speaking of which, Tim says he started working out a lot back in 2008, when he finally decided booze had taken over his life and a change was needed.

“I drank a lot from my point of view and I needed to stop. I felt quitting was something I needed to do. I didn't feel I had any moral high ground with my kids in the long run,” he explains for the magazine.

Not only is he now a perfect role model for his three daughters, but he’s also in a much happier place with his wife, the exquisite Faith Hill.

“I wasn't a beer drinker. I was more a whiskey drinker. And I wouldn't just have a drink. If I was going to drink, I'd have some drinks. People were worried about me,” he says.

“It was to the point where I felt it was negatively affecting my relationships and getting in the way of things I wanted to accomplish in life. So I quit... I am probably less embarrassing to her now,” Tim jokes.

People also has a video preview of the shoot, in which Tim explains how he’s at the gym about 2 hours every day, saying this is also the perfect way to make sure he’s prepared for the road, for the incredibly demanding live shows.

“Working out is a great way to go out on stage. When I hit the stage, my adrenaline is going and I'm ready,” he says.

Tim McGraw’s new album, “Two Lanes of Freedom,” will be out on February 5 and will be followed by a 30-city tour.