Curvy model Erica Schenk on cover Women's Running magazine
Fitness magazines are known for featuring perfectly sculpted bodies of athletes or sports models on the front cover in an attempt to motivate us but Women's Running magazine are taking a new approach to support and encourage their readers in their August issue.
Running is an activity that is perceived to be loathed or loved by a certain kind of fitness fanatic and that self titled 'runners' typically have a very lean or wiry physique. But Women's Running magazine recently made the effort to overcome this stereotype with their latest cover girl, 18 year old plus-size model, Erica Schenk. The August issue hit the shelves on July 21st and shows the first plus-size model to grace the front page of a running magazine, highlighting that runners come in all shapes and sizes.
Activewear for all
What's great about this is that the decision doesn't seem to be an overly contrived publicity stunt (although yes it has received press attention). As an avid runner, Erica accepted an interview from the magazine for a feature and photoshoot on how fitness clothing brands are choosing to design sportswear for all sizes. Yes, this is also about time we say! Running editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor told TODAY.com, "we were shooting her for that story, so we thought, let's put her on the cover, too." 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."
Reasons to run
In the feature, Erica reveals that she started running when she was 14 when she took up volleyball and found that it was a great way to clear her head. This girl enjoys how running makes her feel, which is not so different to most other people who run. She highlights that people of all shapes and sizes actually enjoy exercising and why size shouldn't hold you back if you want to run! We think that is awesome because running is one of the most primal activities that we as humans can do. For some reason however, there's the misconception that running, whether on the treadmill or on the street, isn't for everyone. Erika states, “Some women believe that since they have curves they can’t run or shouldn’t run. … Running is for every body, any time.”
We believe this was a really positive move from Running magazine to feature Erika. Not only does this increase the diversity of models on the front cover but it helps to take running off of a pedestal. Running is not an exercise limited to the already well conditioned and super motivated. Everyone starts somewhere and it's just walking, but faster. If you want to run, you can do it, just lace up your shoes and get out there!
