Advertisement

Women's Running magazine features a plus size cover model

Women’s Running Magazine in the US have released their August issue featuring plus size model Erica Jean Schenk on the cover.

Eighteen-year-old Erica says she's comfortable with her plus-size label.

RELATED: Hottest plus-size magazine cover girls

"Plus-size is not meant to be a derogatory word," she said. "It's a business term. I think people feel plus size is a bad word because of how it's viewed in stores. Plus-size clothes are often segregated, pushed to the back corners. But it isn't a bad word, just a description."

Erica had already been shooting a feature in Women's Running, which highlighted fitness brands expanding their collections to include running clothes for more sizes, when the editors chose to put her on the cover.

August issue of Women's Running magazine
August issue of Women's Running magazine

Editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor told Today.com "There's a stereotype that all runners are skinny, and that's just not the case. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. You can go to any race finish line, from a 5K to a marathon, and see that. It was important for us to celebrate that."

RELATED: 10 best foods for running

Most people praised the magazine's brave move featuring a different body type. The Women’s Running Facebook page cover photo has received over 35,000 likes and been shared more than 5000 times.

“I am LOVING this cover!!! She represents every day ‘normal’ women! We are not perfect looking. WE look like her.
This cover inspires me as I am sure it will inspire others. I’m going to run out and get it tomorrow,” one Facebook user wrote.

Watch More Health Videos Here
Want more? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!