HOLLYWOOD, CA — Jan 27, 2012 / (http://www.myprgenie.com) — The Academy Awards red carpet can be a brutal environment for all those who aren’t perfectly tanned, perfectly toned and perfectly thin. But there are a few amazing and ample divas who have managed to strut their stuff and hold their own in the hot Hollywood spotlight. Plus-sized, certified fitness instructor Jeanette DePatie (AKA The Fat Chick) has been deeply inspired by these woman. So to honor them, she will be offering a free Divaluscious workout  at 2:00 PM at the Operation Fitness Expo to at the Century City Westfield Mall between 9AM and 5PM on February 25. She will also demonstrate the workout during the media preview held on the morning of Friday, February 24. The workout is designed to be enjoyed by dancers of all abilities, shapes and sizes. Jeanette will also be signing copies of her new book: The Fat Chick Works Out!  (Fitness that’s Fun and Feasible for Folks of All Ages, Shapes, Sizes and Abilities).

“Fitness isn’t just for perfect people-it’s for every BODY.” said DePatie. “I invite folks of all shapes and sizes and ages and activities to come and dance with me. Every woman can be a star, if she just heads out on the dance floor and shakes what God gave her.”

Fat Chick Jeanette DePatie also seeks to honor those amazing women who brave the intense scrutiny of the Hollywood film industry, press and public with bodies that are curvier than the typical starlet waifs we’ve come to expect on the red carpet. She’s created her “flabulous” new “Divaluscious Red Carpet Workout” to honor the spirit of the “amply talented” including Oscar-nominees Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer.

“For too long I put my life on hold waiting around to lose weight,” said DePatie. “But about a decade ago I decided to stop obsessing about my weight, get out into the world, and live my very best life starting that very minute. Since then I’ve been certified as a fitness instructor, completed a half marathon, triathlon and marathon and created a series of products and resources to help people just get out there and jiggle with it!”

Products offered by The Fat Chick (AKA Jeanette DePatie) include a book, a workout DVD, live-streamed fitness classes, 2 blogs and a website at www.thefatchick.com. DePatie also travels around the company inspiring people of all kinds to learn to love their bodies and learn to love exercise once again.

“I was so excited to see Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer walk the red carpet this season,” said DePatie. “They are so strong, talented and inspiring! This workout is my tribute to those curvy girls who don’t let anything stop them as they make their way to the very top!”

The Operation Fitness Health and Fitness Expo will be held on February 25, 2012 at the Westfield Century City Mall  from 9AM to 5PM. DePatie will present her “Divaluscious Workout” on the Operation Fitness Stage at 2:00 PM on the 25th and during the media preview to be held the morning of Friday, February 24th.

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About the Fat Chick

Ms. DePatie has held certifications from the YMCA, ACE and AFAA for Aerobics Instruction and Personal Training. She has taught many aerobics classes at various fitness levels throughout the country. Ms. DePatie has also completed several distance races including a half-marathon, sprint triathlon and a full marathon. She doesn’t reveal her finish times but assures you she often places dead, totally last.

Jeanette serves as a role model and an inspiration for beginning exercisers of all kinds. Her unique 12-week progressive DVD helps absolute beginners to find a safe, comfortable and fun way to get fit. Her book, The Fat Chick Works Out! (Fitness that’s Fun and Feasible for Folks of All Ages, Shapes, Sizes and Abilities) has been released by Real Big Publishing. The book is available via Amazon, bn and target.com as well as the author’s website at www.thefatchick.com.

Ms. DePatie has served as a spokeswoman for NAAFA (The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance) and currently serves as spokeswoman and Vice President for The Association for Size Diversity and Health where she commonly speaks on the Health at Every Size(R) approach to wellness. She has been interviewed many times on television, radio and in print by many important organizations including The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Extra.

You can learn more about Jeanette on her website: www.thefatchick.com and more about Operation Fitness at www.OperationFitness.com