Bill Howard, 73, the innovator of Muscle Beach, Venice, stands in front of a sculpture located next to the workout facility in Venice. (Mel Melcon / LAT)
Joe Wheatley, who now runs the muscleman shows, stands next to a weight bench at Muscle Beach. (Wally Skalij / LAT)
Body builders perform their routine at the Muscle Beach club in Venice Beach during the “Mr. Muscle” contest. (Damian Dovarganes / AP)
