Physique TV's Amy Kitchingman let's us in on healthy globetrotting

AH HOLIDAYS. TIME to relax. Time to slob around in your forgiving elasticised swimwear for two weeks eating and drinking more than you can handle and making sure the days pass with as little consequence as possible.
Not anymore, says Physique TV's premier presenter Amy Kitchingman. The Dubai-based television personality tells us going on vacation should now be about staying active - the premise behind her latest programme On The Go. The travel show, co-hosted by Firas Abbass, takes viewers to a typical vacation spot and highlights the sights in your Holiday.TV manner. However, instead of indulging, On The Go hopes to encourage viewers to not abandon the diet nor exercise regime, but instead attempt to incorporate them into the daily routine. Given Physique TV is a platform for 24-hour fitness broadcasting; the concept has already proven rather popular.
"I began modelling at the age of 16," Amy said. "I was in my hometown of Leeds in northern England, so it meant having to travel a lot for jobs. Then when I was in university I was involved with pageants and that meant even more moving around.
"When I am on the go I want to try and stick to my diet and remain active. Sometimes you don't always have a gym available. How can you keep your body moving? We try and show the best ways to achieve this in On The Go."
Of course if you're not entirely onboard with the concept as a whole, Amy says the show also works well as a traditional travel piece - offering destination information and lovely filming.
In the first episode of On The Go, which aired last month, Amy and Firas explored the adventure destination - Sir Bani Yas Island. Located 170 km southwest of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas is the largest natural island in the emirates, and home to Arabia's largest wildlife reserve with thousands of large free-roaming animals and a huge amount of flora.
"I always thought Kenya would be the most incredible place to see wildlife, but Bani Yas Island had lots of animals. I was so happy to see giraffes."
Amy's dream destination may soon become a reality, she said, given producers are currently looking into shooting an episode in the Maldives.
"That would be my ultimate," she added, citing the crystal blue waters and white sand as primary draws.
"At the moment we are looking at places that are about a maximum of a four-hour flight away. That may change, though. We may get to go to Thailand, which would be another top place for me to see more of."
A broadcasting and presenting diploma holder from a London university, Amy came to Dubai four years ago to initially work as a news anchor. Two and half years ago she joined Physique TV, a match she says was fate.
"As a model I was always into fitness. When I became a bit bored with modelling and tried to make my way in TV, I kept it up.
"With this job I have found my niche. I love it! I'm always wondering what adventure I'll be going on next. I love health and fitness and I love talking. It's a perfect marriage."
This determination to remain in shape is reinforced when Amy tells us she only takes days off exercise if she is ill or has a flight longer than seven hours. Apart from these issues, "there's no excuse."
Though, despite a penchant for activity, abs, apparently, "are made in the kitchen."
"From a health aspect, you can control more through your diet. You could eat a cheeseburger every day and burn it off at the gym, but what are you doing to your heart?
"When on holiday some people take a break from the diet, others will ease off on the exercise. I prefer to be stricter on the diet and tone the exercise down."
But surely she must have one weakness. Especially when on vacation?
"Cheese! I love it. Any cheese. Oh, melted Brie! I only let myself have cheese once a year, on Christmas Day. It's my holiday treat. But I also go running in the morning with the dogs, so it's not all bad."
Amy's top tips for holiday healthiness:
. Get sleep. Adjust to your time zone. When you've had decent rest you can fuel your workout. You also won't be tempted to raise your energy levels with sugar.
. Stay active. Don't just think about staying in the gym. Get out there. Hire a bike for example. Go see the city.
. Watch calories. Keep things clean in all cuisines. There are always healthy options in any cuisine. I love Italian, but stay away from pasta. Grilled fish and salads are delicious!
On The Go is presented in both English and Arabic, airing on What's Up at 8pm and Shoufi Mafi at 11pm. Visit: www.physique-tv.com.
david@khaleejtimes.com