German bikini bodybuilding champion reveals she must gain 10 KILOGRAMS before the next championships in Las Vegas - as she claims she has to eat every three hours and admits: 'You have to be a bit crazy to do this job'

A German bikini bodybuilding champion has detailed the gruelling regime she endures to stay in competition shape - including gaining 10 kilograms in preparation for the next tournament and eating every three hours. 

Lia Liebing won the Bodybuilding World Championships in the 'bikini class' at the start of the month, defending her 2022 title in Berlin, having only taken up the sport since the Covid pandemic. 

The 25-year-old wasn't planning on entering into official competition until this year - but her excellent progress in the gym led to a change in plans. 

Liebing has had to graft in her pursuit of the 'perfect beach body', however, as she detailed her demanding training and nutrition plan - which adheres to strict regulation for her particular class.

The competitor has a huge presence and following on social media - with nearly 11,000 followers on Instagram - and treats fans to striking photos of her posing and flexing her muscles and toned physique. 

She has also uploaded many photos and videos of her celebrating with trophes and working hard in the gym to give an idea of how much work is involved in her craft.

'This class is basically about having the perfect beach body,' she told Bild. 

'According to the regulations, you can have a little bit of muscle, but nothing more should be visible. It should be a beautiful and athletic overall package.' 

During the competition in Berlin, Liebing weighed in at 56.6kg - but said she was left with just seven per cent body fat and was unable to maintain the same lifestyle all year round or it would interfere with her health.  

'You can't and shouldn't keep this up for too long,' she said. 'I only had seven percent body fat. That would be unhealthy if kept all year round.'

Part of her preparations for tournaments involves eating every three hours and being forced to gain 10kgs ahead of the next bodybuilding world championships in Las Vegas.

Liebing will then begin to trim down shortly before the tournament begins to ensure she has the correct tone to her physique with not too much muscle. 

'About three to four months before the next World Championships in Las Vegas, I'll lose weight again to get into competition shape,' she said, adding: 'You have to be a bit crazy to do this sport.' 

In addition to Instagram, Liebing also has a subscriber base on YouTube with almost 3,500 followers where she uploads fitness videos and clips of her performing at competitions.

She's also a representative for Bodybuilding clothing brand Raize and German supplement firm Vitaminversand24.