Funk51
Far as my uncles go, they keep the workouts to once or twice a week. They don't kid themselves, being around the mid 60's age, things have slowed down for both. Pretty much cleans and presses, squats, etc..basic stuff. They have a power rack as the only piece of equipment. With some of those old veterans, working out is like a drug, they have to do it at least once a week to feel good. Uncles live in Hollywood, one above the old Bodhi Tree book store (Melrose ave). the other up from the strip, above the Whiskey.
Uncles don't say that the BB'ers, in the late 60's/70's were that much different or better, BB'ing will always have more than it's share of characters. Just that the old school guy's were more friendly and helped each other a lot in workouts and training ideas. Not so much that way today. Met a few old timer veterans (through the uncles) with reams of training information, knowledge and experience happy to share with a teenager like me (back when I was a teenager). Listening to them talk about the old days and workout experiences was worth the price of gold to me.
Some of the top or Pro BB'ers of today are heavy drug users, and a few deal. Some are bi-sexual, or just plain gay, and have "friends" helping with living and BB'ing chemical expenses. Might be surprise by some of the names. I'm talking SoCal, don't know about the rest of America. Been told that also happened back than, but to a much, much lesser degree than today. Taking drugs back than was usually orally, which for some causes liver and kidney problems. Also had a weaker affect for increasing muscle mass. But did work for a few named BB'ers. Some had special doctors who old use needle injections to by pass the liver & kidneys.
Ground beef, canned tuna, milk were pretty much the stable for BB'ers back in the day. Protein supplements were mostly laced with soy powder, so very poor quality. Liver (powder/tabs) were the big thing way back then.