Thank you ThisisOverload and Van_Bilderass.
Is there some book, site, article or something else that goes into detail about how every bb drug/ect effects the body looks-wise? So I'd be able to more or less tell what someone is on just by their appearance?
For example, I get the impression that Chris Bumstead is as big as the drugs he's taking will let him be but not a big as he would be if he were taking what the regular Mr. Olympia competitors are taking. But there would be tradeoffs looks-wise if he took different and/or additional drugs.
I don't think it can be 100% conveyed in print which drugs give what look. And most steroids kind of work the "same" with smallish differences so it's hard to be 100% sure if a certain steroid is in the stack. Some gurus like Alex Kikel have attempted to explain the look some steroids give, like he had one video on IG explaining the difference in look between Superdol, Anadrol and I think Halotestin when taken the last couple of weeks before a show. You can't say from the outside this person is on Superdrol instead of Anadrol but you might see these different small cosmetic effects within a certain individual when he switches from one to the other.
But for example, I said I was sure Stallone was on GH just by his forearms. I take into account his age + his previous look decades before + leanness + vascularity + what I've personally seen GH do. That look requires "more" than just testosterone. You don't suddenly just pop with crazy vascularity at 60+ when you've done steroids for 40 years already. I think Stallone did way too many steroids for Rambo IV, he was way too swollen. You look way better on screen focusing on leanness and dryness.
As far as the physique athletes like Bumstead go, I feel many of them are pushing almost as hard as they can, some harder that maybe some Mr O competitors. Some are just a better fit for physique genetically. If I were to guess what Bumstead is on, what I think he would do if he were to attempt to compete in open bodybuilding, I think he would increase his testosterone base mainly as far as steroids go. GH would be increased to as much as he could tolerate/dare to do. Insulin would be used liberally to attempt to force more weight on the body. And then he would try to eat as much as possible, as much as his bodyfat level would allow.
Depending on the guy, even doing all these things do not work much. Many guys attempt it and they only end up smoother on stage. I think Bumstead and most of the other top guys are almost topped out as far as steroids go, maybe 90% there. These guys are very impressive, compare them to say 80s pro bodybuilders.