Magazine cover model image causes stir in online community

The cover of the American sports magazine Women's Running featuring a "chubby" model jogging has sparked debate about the true meaning of exercise.

The August cover of Women's Running features model Eric Schenk. (Source: Women's Running)

The August cover features 18-year-old model Erica Schenk. Women's Running has previously featured models with ideal body shapes on its covers. Fitness expert Harriet Brown said the change sent a new message to readers, especially female readers: "You don't have to be thin to be positive, healthy and happy."

The online community also agrees with this view. On Twitter, a user shared that she almost cried when she saw the image of a girl with a full body like her on the cover of the magazine.

If the sight of a plus-size model running can inspire women to exercise, that’s a good thing, says Harriet Brown. “No matter what body shape you have, you should be more active. Exercise is obviously good for everyone, whether it helps you lose weight or not,” Brown says.

With this unique cover photo, Women's Running magazine has created a big buzz on social media sites. In a television interview, Women's Running magazine editor-in-chief Jessica Sebor said: "People think that all people who exercise are toned and flexible. However, that is not always true."

According to Infonet