Günter Schlierkamp
Professional Bodybuilder
Günter Schlierkamp is a professional bodybuilder from Germany. Raised on his family’s farm, he learned the value of hard work from a very young age by helping his father with physically demanding tasks.
This tough upbringing shaped his discipline and mindset, which later helped him succeed in the bodybuilding world. Günter also appeared in the 2006 movie Beerfest.
Biography
Start of Fitness Journey
Born on 2nd February 1970 in Olfen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Günter grew up working on his family’s farm. These physically demanding tasks helped him build strength and a strong work ethic early in life.
At the age of 16, he became interested in bodybuilding after watching Conan the Barbarian and Pumping Iron. Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Günter stepped into the gym for the first time in 1986.
First Competition
After years of farm work, Günter already had a solid muscular base. He spent four years training seriously and building an impressive physique.
In 1990, he entered his first competition — the German Championships in the Junior division. Günter dominated the stage and won 1st place, instantly marking himself as a rising talent.
Pro Card
Motivated by his early success, Günter trained intensely over the next two years. In 1992, he won the European Amateur Championships.
His biggest breakthrough came in 1993 at the World Amateur Championships. By winning the show, Günter earned his IFBB Pro Card and officially became a professional bodybuilder.
Move to America
Between 1993 and 1995, Günter won multiple competitions and placed highly in several others, gaining recognition worldwide.
In 1996, he moved to the United States to compete at the highest level. That year, he competed in elite shows like the Arnold Classic and Night of Champions, standing on stage alongside legends such as Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, and Shawn Ray.
Acting
After retiring from bodybuilding, Günter transitioned briefly into acting and appeared in the comedy film Beerfest in 2006.
Training
In his prime, Günter trained five days per week, resting mid-week and on Sundays. He preferred training one muscle group per session, believing this approach gave him the best results.
Workout Plan
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Monday – Back
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Tuesday – Chest
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Wednesday – Legs
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Thursday – Rest
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Friday – Shoulders
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Saturday – Arms
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Sunday – Rest
Nutrition
Günter followed a structured diet based on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. To support muscle growth, he typically ate up to five meals per day.
Diet Plan
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Meal 1: 12 egg whites, 4 yolks, dry oatmeal, fruit
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Meal 2: Steak, large potatoes, green vegetables
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Meal 3: Chicken breast, brown rice, vegetables
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Meal 4: Lean fish, large potatoes, green vegetables
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Meal 5: Whey protein, sometimes cottage cheese
Idols and Influences
Arnold Schwarzenegger was Günter’s biggest inspiration, pushing him to chase bodybuilding seriously. He also credits his family for teaching him discipline, consistency, and hard work — values that carried him through his career.
What We Can Learn from Günter Schlierkamp
Günter’s journey shows that success isn’t only about winning every competition. Persistence, discipline, and passion matter more than constant victories.
By staying committed to his dream, Günter built a respected and memorable bodybuilding career that continues to inspire athletes worldwide.
