Guys, I'm sure we're all well aware of the phrase "curls for the girls." It's an age old adage that is frequently associated with the image of your stereotypical frat boy. 

Let's be honest, all we care about are broads, brews, and biceps right? Well... That's not actually true for a majority of us guys involved with Greek Life. It's a gross over generalization. 

I first caught wind of this phrase as a wee little freshman and I thought it was the bee’s knees. Now, two years of college level courses wiser and well on my way to becoming a semi-functioning member of society, I've realized that this phrase hints at a deeper issue that is pervasive throughout the very fabric of our great nation: the Adonis Complex. 

The Adonis Complex is an increasingly common condition afflicting young men. They feel like they aren’t muscular enough. With images of the ideal man plastered everywhere throughout mainstream media, you can’t really blame guys for feeling a little inadequate. Most times, they aren't Hugh Jackman.

It may be tough for some to admit, but the Adonis complex is very real issue for college guys--Greeks and non-Greeks alike--and it is definitely alive and well on the U of I campus. Evidence of its existence is all over the place. Just take one look for yourself when you venture into the basement of the arc. 

Deep down in the testosterone dungeon--as I like to call it--is a parade of guys working out, many of them of them sporting a tank top or cut off tee emblazoned with their Greek letters. Believe it or not their workout attire serves a dual purpose. It broadcasts a twofold message loud and clear to those who are blessed to have front row seats to your gun show: "yeah I'm in a frat" and "do you even lift, bro?" 

Okay, so that description was a little extreme but in some instances I'm not that far off, trust me. It definitely takes one to know one and to be perfectly honest, I must admit that I am guilty of this behavior from time to time, although I wouldn't say I'm a first class meathead.   

In all seriousness, until recently I never realized how much of an understated influence the media has potentially had on my body image. After puberty rescued me from my days as a squishy 130 pound fifth grader, I was always athletically-inclined. I never had any other choice but to work to gain any competitive edge. You know what they say though: old habits die hard. This especially true when the media perpetually reinforces them with the image of the ideal man. 

With this in mind, I’m not trying to paint myself as the victim. In fact, I’m quite satisfied with the healthy habits I uphold while balancing the college lifestyle. However, I am no shining paradigm for fitness nuts all over. Yes brethren, I do lift, but I still hate doing cardio and I have a huge soft spot for pizza, kettle cooked Lays, and McDonald’s large fries.   

My approach to addressing an issue as serious as male body image may come across as very sarcastic and light-hearted, but I assure you that I understand the gravity of the situation at hand. There are guys out there who honestly feel as if something is wrong with them if they don’t have abs that can function as a certain obsolete clothing-washing apparatus, or biceps and forearms that are bursting with virility. Allow me to reassure you that you have something going for you even if you don't look like a model for Ralph Lauren. 

In fact, I know a lot of guys who have spent zero time in the gym during college but still do quite well for themselves. Looking like you fit in with the cast of “Baywatch” sure comes in handy when you are soaking up some sun at the ARC or Lake Michigan, but for the majority of other social situations in life, you’re going to be wearing clothing. 

For example, it is socially unacceptable for one to waltz around a bar shirtless while trying to pick up girls unless you are on “Jersey Shore” or if your name is Basile Manikas. Furthermore, solely being swoll won’t help one land employment in a competitive job market outside of a career in fitness training or modeling. 

There are many benefits to working out consistently, but if working out just isn't your thing, don’t sweat it. Men, sport your dad body or a chiseled physique with pride. Just keep doing you and enjoy your college experience.