She went from gym novice to Miss Universe bodybuilder in just 12 months.
But fitness champion Alex Larkin has no plans to slow down just yet.
The 25-year-old services advisor said she got into bodybuilding after joining Fitness Connection gym in Ravensthorpe last year.
“Before that, I had never even been to a gym”, Alex said.
“My coach suggested I give some of the exercises a chance and I began training.
“I went on a ten-week diet and toned myself up.
“My friends and family all thought it was a bit weird at first, but they got used to it after a while.”
Alex, of Batley, who has gained a stone in muscle weight since she began training last year, said she loves bodybuilding for the “mental challenge”.
“You push yourself to the limit and it’s good to set yourself goals and test yourself.”
Alex spent six days a week in the gym doing two hours a day of various exercises to build her muscle.
The championship in Southport was attended by 17 other hopefuls from around the world who had put in years of training, including six women from the UK.
Alex said: “I’m still in shock and can’t believe I won.
“It’s incredible that I managed to beat off all those other girls, I’ve only been going to the gym for a year.”
The Miss Universe contest, which is the female equivalent of the male contest run worldwide by Arnold Schwarzenegger, involves the contestants showing off their bodies in bikinis on stage.
Hopefuls have to strike various poses and routines to impress the panel of judges.
Champion Alex won the trophy and prestigious title after impressing the panel with her physique at this year’s event.
But she says she has no plans to stop there and intends to compete in various other competitions in the future.
Former ballet dancer at Huddersfield University becomes successful bodybuilder - read more
“I’ll be taking it easy for a little bit”, Alex said.
“The past year has been so busy so it’ll be nice to give myself a bit of a break.
“Then I plan to get back into training.”
