Anthropometry
Height: 185 cm
Competition Weight: 128 kg
Gunter Schlierkamp, known as “The Gentle Giant,” was born on February 2, 1970, near Düsseldorf, Germany. Raised in a family of farmers with two brothers and a sister, sports were not initially valued but shaped his early years. Gunter helped on the family farm, later earning wages at a nearby farm, earning 50 cents an hour. This enabled him to buy new clothes, teaching him patience and resilience during challenging times.
Bodybuilding
At the age of 13, Gunter Schlierkamp was stunned by Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s film “Pumping Iron,” igniting his desire to become big and strong. He bought weights and began training his arms. By age 16, working as a mechanic, he gained access to a gym. Encouraged by the gym owner for his athletic potential, Gunter weighed 77 kg. Training twice a week, he prepared rigorously for his first competition, often training for three hours or more without rest, believing intense training would lead to significant results. In 1988, Gunter competed in his first amateur bodybuilding contest, winning first place in his next five competitions.
In spring 1990, Gunter Schlierkamp won the German amateur championship, followed by victory in the amateur world championship later that year. Seeking greater challenges, he entered the adult heavyweight division after rigorous training over the next two years. By 1992, he claimed the European Championship title and won the German Championship in the same year. In 1993, he earned the title of “Mr. Universe.” In 1994, Gunter met his future wife Carmen, marrying shortly after but later realizing their incompatibility.
Despite his successes, Gunter’s preparation for the Olympics in 1996 ended without qualification among the top 15, leading him to doubt his future. However, after the 1997 Night of Champions, Joe Weider approached Gunter with a partnership offer, marking a turning point in his career. In 2006, Gunter starred in the Hollywood comedy “Beerfest.”
Titan Chest Workout Program
- Incline Bench Press. Four sets. Repetitions: 15-20; 10-12; 8; 4-6.
- Flat Dumbbell Press. Four sets. Repetitions: 15-20; 10-12; 8; 4-6.
- Hammer Strength Chest Press. Three sets. Repetitions: 10-12; 8; 4-6.
- Incline Dumbbell Flyes. Three sets. Repetitions: 10-12; 8; 4-6.