The Idealized Body “The Idealized Body” was written as part of the final project for English IV: Literature as Social Commentary. It is intended to be a chapter from a longer novel titled The Negative Influence which depicts the impact of social media on teen mental and physical health.
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“One more time,” said Noah as he took deep breaths. Jacob sighed in disbelief, “Come on, bro, you’ve already failed your PR twice.” Noah didn’t listen, he looked determined, ready, and lay back down on the bench press. He took a breath, and with both hands, gripped the barbell tightly. The bar slowly lowered to his chest. Noah’s hands shook. It was time to lift it back up. “Ahhhhhhh, come on!” Noah screamed out loud as he pushed as hard as he could. The barbell stuck to his chest. Without hesitation, John lifted the weight up and racked it back in its slot. He stood up, took off his shirt and looked into the mirror, flexing. “Why do I look so small? I look like a twig.” “Bro, you’re not Chris Bumstead. Chillax, you’re big already,” said John. Noah was irritated that his physique didn’t look in the slightest bit like his favorite influencer, Chris Bumstead. Jacob and John stood next to Noah and flexed. Noah compared himself to Jacob and John, thinking how much bigger their arms were. Jacob’s eyes crossed Noah’s eyes in the mirror. “Bro, your eyes are messed up. Are you high?” “Nah, bro, why would I get high before a workout? That stuff makes me tired.” John asked, “Bro, what time do you go to bed?” Noah responded, “Like three or four.” “You gotta go to bed earlier, bruh. You look like shit,” said Jacob. “Yeah, I know,” Noah said, knowing he’d stay up late anyway. “Alright guys, I’m out, I’ll see you guys tomorrow at seven,” Noah said.
