Agreed... it's the growth, insulin, and amount of gear for many of them. Bodybuilders of old were strong guys. You don't see the same kind of strength athletes amoung today's bodybuilders.
Don't get me wrong. They are still strong compared to normal guys... but they aren't remotely as strong as I would expect them to be.
A few of the guys at Gold's are enormously strong... but usually they are the guys who CAN'T get their pro cards.
And yes, I still train at Gold's Venice... just not nearly as often. It's got some hard memories.
I used to train there and I hated it but I have to concurr...When I was there I was natural and I squatted more than anyone I ever saw there. I can remember seeing a few Pros that train there on and off go through an entire workout with warm up weight...then go talk to the women and waddle on the treadmill then waddle to the firehouse...lol made me never want to do growth