JACKSON, Miss. AP – In a gym at a tiny college in the capital of the most obese state in the nation, state Rep. John Hines dropped his chest to the floor, let out an “Aaaarrrrgggh” and forced through a few final pushups.

Hines and 71 fellow lawmakers, 19 members of the governor’s staff – though not the portly governor himself – and 21 “civilians” have been working out several days a week since January to promote healthful living in a culture that prizes its sweet tea and fried food.