Why This Woman’s Magazine Cover Is So Important

What with France’s recent rules on runway models being over a certain weight threshold, Sports Illustrated’s recent swimsuit issue and now this, it seems we’re making major inroads on the path towards a more inclusive, body positive fashion industry. A popular American women’s magazine called Women’s Running has not only chosen to feature a beautiful model whose physicality is not one you’d usually see in aspirational fitness magazines. However, much to delight of women the world over, the editor of this magazine went one step further and put her on the cover. And it’s gorgeous. She’s fit, she’s healthy, she’s got her curves and what’s more, she’s not referred to as ‘plus-size’ which really grinds not only our gears, but the model in question, Nadia Aboulhosn’s too. She feels this kind of terminology serves only to create a binary in which a far slimmer body frame is considered the norm.

Nadia is a fashion blogger, an Instagram star, a model, a designer and as you’ve probably guessed by the cover, a runner too. As we all know, running isn’t just about weight loss. It gives you much needed time out, it has all kinds of positive effects on your mental health and of course, it keeps your body in tip top physical condition.

Sharing her delight in finding herself on the cover (she was originally only due to appear inside) Nadia said on Instagram: Brb I’m crying ugly tears. I shot a few months ago with @womensrunningmagazine for their April 2016 issue that’s out on stands now. I was in the airport last night flying from Florida back to LA and went in the store, saw it, and started crying?I for sure thought last minute something was going to happen and I wouldn’t be on the cover just solely off the fact that things have turned wrong for me so much of my life when I’m almost about to have something.?

New blog post talking about my cover with @womensrunningmagazine. Shot by @alainmitchell. Wearing @adidasoriginals outfit with @nikewomen shoes. Go to nadiaaboulhosn.com to read more. Link is in my profile. #adidas #nike #activewear

A photo posted by Nadia Aboulhosn (@nadiaaboulhosn) on Mar 17, 2016 at 11:10am PDT

Speaking to Today, Women’s Running Editor In Chief Jessica Sebor said: ?You don’t need to be an Olympic marathon runner to get the physical, emotional and psychological benefits of staying fit and healthy. 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.?

If ever you were looking for an appropriate occasion in which to use the somewhat annoying phrase ‘yassss’, it’s now.

A triumph for women everywhere, we think you’ll agree.

Brb I'm crying ugly tears. I shot a few months ago with @womensrunningmagazine for their April 2016 issue that's out on stands now. I was in the airport last night flying from Florida back to LA and went in the store, saw it, and started crying. This elderly couple next to me was like…whats wrong? I'm like THIS IS MY FIRST MAGAZINE COVER AFTER WORKING NON STOP FOR 5 YEARS! I'm glad no one was around to see it Bc snot was every where, I was sweating. I know I joke a lot so let me be serious and say thank you to Women's Running Mag for choosing me. When I got the email I still didn't believe it was going to happen. I for sure thought last minute something was going to happen and I wouldn't be on the cover just solely off the fact that things have turned wrong for me so much of my life when I'm almost about to have something, I get disappointed or let down. I'm never satisfied and feel like I could always be doing more but seeing my cover made me calm down and enjoy this moment that's such a milestone for me and my career. Thank you especially to Jessica Sebor. You amaze me. It's so important to feel good about yourself. I'll be taking over @womensrunningmagazine's Instagram account tomorrow so be sure to follow and be sure to get the mag and read my story inside! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this, the entire team at Womens Running, also to my family and close circle who keep me aligned. Thank you to all of you because you contribute so much to my success. Wearing @adidasoriginals outfit in this shot with @nike roshe runs.

A photo posted by Nadia Aboulhosn (@nadiaaboulhosn) on Mar 14, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

Late night walks on the beach haha jeans from @topshop. @liketoknow.it www.liketk.it/2esJe #liketkit #topshop

A photo posted by Nadia Aboulhosn (@nadiaaboulhosn) on Mar 9, 2016 at 5:56pm PST