Doug Brignole is a veteran competitive bodybuilder, fitness (“biomechanics”) expert, author, and public speaker.
Acclaimed Bodybuilder and fitness author Doug Brignole has passed away. The bodybuilding icon died on October 13 at the age of 62. The official cause of his death has not been revealed yet, although some unverified sources have claimed that he died of a heart attack.
Brignole was famous for being a part of the Amateur Athletic Union and the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association. Continue reading to know more about the fitness expert’s life and career.
Another Bodybuilder Dies Before His Time
1- who is Doug Brignole?
Throughout his competitive career—which spans over 40 years—he has won numerous bodybuilding titles, including 1982 AAU Mr. America (medium tall division) and 1986 AAU Mr. Universe (light heavyweight division).
He has authored numerous magazine articles and co-authored a university sociology book (“Million Dollar Muscle”). His most recent book—“The Physics of Resistance Exercise”—is endorsed by ten Ph.D. professors (i.e., exercise science, physics, neurobiology, biomedical engineering, and paleoanthropology), plus three orthopedic surgeons.
He has conducted seminars throughout the US, as well as abroad, including Japan, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, and Norway.
2- Doug Brignole Started his Career at the Age of 16
Brignole started competing in bodybuilding contests when he was just 16 years old. Over the next four decades, he won a number of titles, including AAU Mr. America in the medium tall division and AAU Mr. Universe in the light heavyweight division in 1982.
More recently, he won the Muscle Beach International in 2014 and AAU Mr. Universe in the open division in 2019. Doug also organized seminars in various cities in the US, and across other countries, including Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Norway, and Japan. He was also a public speaker and an author.
Apart from writing several magazine articles, Doug co-authored a university sociology book, titled Million Dollar Muscle. Another one of his books, The Physics of Resistance Exercise, became immensely popular and was prompted by several orthopedic surgeons and Ph.D. professors.
3- Books by Doug Brignole
- The Physics of Fitness. Doug Brignole. by Doug Brignole (Goodreads Author)
- The Physics of Resistance Exercise. Doug Brignole. by Doug Brignole (Goodreads Author)
- Million Dollar Muscle: A Historical and Sociological Perspect... Adrian James Tan. by Adrian James Tan.
4- Doug Brignole die at 62
Brignole’s death was confirmed by bodybuilding promoter Joe Wheatley, who wrote, “This one hurts bad! May he rest in peace. Doug Brignole – 62 years old.” The news comes at a time when the bodybuilder was preparing and training to appear as a guest at the AAU Mr. Universe competition, which is set to take place in Las Vegas on October 22.
Brignole’s friend and physique athlete, Benny Rollins, also shared the news on social media, tweeting, “Incredibly sad to report that my friend and mentor Doug Brignole passed away today. Doug taught me how to train PROPERLY, and I never would have developed anywhere near the physique I did if it wasn’t for him. His body was amazing, but his mind was even more so. RIP buddy.”
5- The Internet Flooded with Tributes
As soon as the news came out, many of Doug’s friends and mentees started paying tribute to the bodybuilder. “Doug Brignole passed away last night. Doug was a great mentor to me, he made me a better teacher and thinker. I never imagined he’d be gone so soon. This hurts. Rest In Peace Doug. You were a great mind and a great man,” wrote a trainee.
Bodybuilder Brian Gates Tweeted, “Rest in peace to this Legend, Doug Brignole. Thank you for inspiring me and teaching me to think better regarding fitness and health. Your impact on me and others will never be forgotten.”
A follower also wrote, “Rest In Peace the legend Doug Brignole. I have been pain and injury free for 2 years after reading Doug’s book “The Physics of Resistance Exercise.” Doug was 62 years old, a former and current bodybuilding champion.”
Our heartfelt condolences to Doug Brignole’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!