No one was more surprised that the August Issue of Women’s Running Magazine featured a plus-sized model than the model herself, Erica Jean Schenk. The 18 year old, size 18 model proves that all runners can come in all different shapes and sizes. This cover has been making headlines since it came out. Schenk told E! News in an email interview that,
“I had no idea I was going to be on the cover! I was told afterwards [after her photo shoot] that I would be on the cover. I was initially stunned. I thought it would be a big deal but it turned out to be a MUCH bigger deal than I thought it would be!”
“I love how the image shows a thick-thighed woman who is proud of her body,” she added. “I’m not wearing loose-fitting clothes, to say the least. At first it made me a bit uncomfortable but then I had to realize I can’t help other women accept who they are without doing the same for myself.”
Schenk recently signed with Wilhelmina Models and is making waves with her first ever cover.
“I’m over the moon that all these people see me and can relate. I hope I make an impact in women’s body acceptance. I’ve had so much positive feedback. I can feel the masses begging for more. They want to be able to relate to the struggles, success, and celebration of people just like them,” she said.
Like her role model, Australian model Robyn Lawley, Schenk is highly promoting a positive body image. She explains how the media can make a women feel.
“Many companies are making money off women’s insecurities,” she told us. “With diets, workouts, pills, surgeries, and everything else we forget to love ourselves and our so called flaws. Real change takes generations. I am so proud that I am here not only to witness but to help with the effort towards body acceptance.”
So, how does a busy girl like Schenk stay healthy? She revealed her runs once a week as well as gets her sweat on during group exercise classes. Also, she loves working out outside in the fresh air.
“I’m originally from California. My favorite workouts are barefoot running on the beach, swimming, or sand volleyball. I also love to hike. Whenever I would visit my Aunt Kristy we would always take these glorious hikes in Malibu Canyon.”
As for food habits,
“Anything that grows, goes,” she jokes. “Nuts ‘n’ seeds, fruits ‘n’ veggies! I admit I’m a sucker for chocolate and cheese but there’s time for work and play.”
When it comes to Instagram, Schenk believes it has changed the way we look at beauty.
“To be on Instagram all you need is an electronic device. To get followers all you need is to be engaging. Now you don’t need to be a size 2 and 6 ft tall to have people notice you. World fashion icons no longer need to be on magazines. They come in all types and platforms. To reach people you can be a blogger, a vlogger, insta famous, or the editor and chief of Vogue,” she explained.
2 Comments
This is great! She’s beautiful and deserves to be on the cover. I love how plus sized models are making such a breakthrough.
Beautiful individual inside and out as well as a beautiful message that all women and young girls should take in and embrace.