In case the recent acquisition of Gold’s Gym by Google takes the character out of the Venice landmark, there’s still a place where power lifters can go to pump iron. Out for a stroll on the Boardwalk this afternoon I came across a group of rather large gentlemen doing what they called “JJ’s workout” on a patch of cement next to the sand pit behind Muscle Beach. There, exercise enthusiasts can build mass by lifting and dragging gold-painted dumbbells and chains to their pounding hearts’ content, all equipment provided free of charge by JJ. Unusual, yes, but it had lifters, including Rob Renfroe – an out-of-work body guard who I’d say is at least 6’8″ – panting with his hands on his knees after a couple 50-ft. drags of a 160-lb. chain cluster. Whatever works!