Doug Burns is an internationally-respected fitness consultant, record holding athlete and diabetes advocate. At the age of seven Doug was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and asthma. Growing up, he was frequently hospitalized and his conditions left him weak, underweight and constantly picked on. Classmates referred to him as the “Bag of Bones.” Doug believed he was destined to a life of sickness and misery. All this changed when he encountered an image of Sampson with a lion in a headlock. To Doug, Sampson represented everything he was not but wanted to be. Encountering this image was a life changing inspiration. Using odds and ends from around the house he built a “Tom Sawyer” gym in the family’s backyard.
After countless pushups, sit-ups and river swims Doug decided try his hand in power-lifting contests. He placed dead last in the first competition but knew he could do better and kept pushing. His dedication paid off as he went on to win six power-lifting championships and set state, regional and United States records. He shifted his focus to bodybuilding where he’s won the Mr. Southern States, Mr. California, Mr. USA and Mr. Universe titles.
While it may seem that he was on the way to easy street, his perseverance was to be tested again. An injury ended his competitive bodybuilding career. Rather than concede defeat, Doug is now focusing on the fitness activities he can do – including cycling. He is using this opportunity to talk about overcoming challenges and inspiring others to do the same.
Doug works as a professional trainer and health advisor for various companies including; Abbott Laboratories, J&J, and Pfizer. He is on the board of directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association and Diabetes Society. Doug is the very proud father of three children who have all helped at past CWD events and have given him inspiration to succeed again.
