How far would someone go to have the body he always dreamed of? Michael Feldman tackles male body image in the one-man show “Musclebound,” a multimedia and multidisciplinary performance scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Cone University Center, Lucas Room. The event is free and open to the public.

“Musclebound” follows three men, tired of their appearance, who decide to alter their bodies in different and destructive ways during the course of a year. Feldman exposes gym culture, eating disorders and steroid abuse through the experiences of Josh, a young, gay college-bound student; Jim, a male personal trainer; and Nicolas, a newlywed filmmaker. The show is part performance and part documentary, including taped interviews as well as personal testimonial from Feldman regarding his own battle with eating disorders and exercise bulimia.

“We want to raise awareness of male body image issues and also direct students to interdisciplinary resources that are available to help deal with these types of problems,” said Katie Powers, registered dietitian with the Student Health Center. “Men today are just as susceptible to body image stereotypes as women – it is a gender-neutral issue.”

“Musclebound” is part of this year’s observance of “Love Your Body Week,” which is Feb. 20-24. This annual event, cosponsored by recreational services, the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and Women’s Programs, is intended to increase awareness of body image issues: their causes, prevalence and effects on mental and physical health.

Other “Love Your Body Week” events include “Partner Yoga” on Monday, Feb. 20, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center Group Fitness Studio; “No Fat Talk Day” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Student Union; and “Love Your Body Day” on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Student Union.

More information is on the Web at http://recservices.uncc.edu/fitness_wellness.htm.