Inventing Fitness Equipment That Makes Strength Training Accessible

Commercial fitness centers are designed to serve broad populations, but traditional exercise equipment does not always accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, chronic pain or age-related physical challenges. To address this gap, Dr. David “Pete” Peterson has developed the Total Body Trainer, an innovative modular strength-training system designed to make resistance exercise more accessible for users of varying ages and abilities.

Peterson, associate professor of exercise science at Cedarville University, created the Total Body Trainer after working with a client experiencing severe low back pain, osteoarthritis and bilateral knee replacements. Recognizing the limitations of conventional fitness equipment, he designed a compact system that allows users to perform dozens of strength-training exercises with one piece of equipment, helping reduce barriers to participation.

“Strength training is one of the most effective ways to preserve muscle mass, improve bone density and maintain independence throughout life,” Peterson said. “My goal was to create equipment that allows more people to safely experience those benefits, regardless of their physical limitations or fitness level.

Originally developed as a lower-back rehabilitation and strengthening device, the Total Body Trainer evolved into a versatile modular platform that combines bodyweight, free-weight, cable-resistance, and isometric training through interchangeable attachments. Its compact, portable design can  accommodate exercises typically performed on multiple strength-training machines. Its portability also makes it easy to transport and store, making it suitable for commercial gyms, rehabilitation settings and home fitness environments.

Commander Fitness Co. Brings Innovative Exercise Equipment to Market

Peterson launched Commander Fitness Co. in summer 2026, introducing the Total Body Trainer through a dedicated e-commerce website. Customers worldwide can learn about and purchase the system, as well as explore future products,  including the Commander Bar, Distal Limb Trainer, Commander Sled, resistance band posts and additional Total Body Trainer modular attachments. Supporters can also help fund the company’s development through a Kickstarter campaign linked on the website.

The company reflects Peterson’s commitment to expanding access to evidence-based fitness equipment that promotes healthy aging, functional movement and injury prevention.

Commander Fitness Co. has also reached an agreement with Big Benchas, a coaching and education platform focused on bench press optimization. Founded by powerlifter and equipped-bench-press specialist Nick Benerakis, Big Benchas serves as a specialized resource for athletes seeking to improve their strength and bench press performance.  

Through the collaboration, Big Benchas will market the Commander Bar, feature it on its website and sell it through its store, while Commander Fitness Co. will oversee manufacturing and fulfillment. The 17-kilogram Commander Bar uses a distinct grip geometry designed to provide a different hand and arm position than a traditional straight barbell for exercises such as bench press, incline press, overhead press and rows.

New Cedarville Gym Will Promote Lifelong Health and Fitness 

Looking ahead, Peterson plans to open a commercial fitness facility in the Village of Cedarville in summer 2027. Construction has already begun on the gym, which will emphasize lifelong health, functional fitness and individualized coaching rather than focusing on one athletic demographic.

“Unlike some gyms that focus on a particular age group, sport or fitness level, my goal is to create a facility that helps people exercise well throughout their lifespan,” Peterson said. “The primary emphasis of the gym will be on improving longevity and quality of life through evidence-based strength, endurance, power and mobility training to help individuals better perform activities of daily living and reduce their risk of injury with age.”

Exercise Science Expertise Supports Healthy Living

In addition to traditional strength-training equipment — including power racks, barbells, weight plates, dumbbells, medicine balls and assault bikes — the facility will feature the Total Body Trainer and other Commander Fitness innovations. Peterson also plans to offer personal training, small-group fitness classes, individualized exercise programming and basic nutritional guidance to help clients build sustainable habits that support long-term health and wellness.

Designing Fitness Equipment That Improves Quality of Life

As an educator, researcher and entrepreneur, Peterson hopes his work will extend beyond the classroom by equipping individuals with practical tools that improve quality of life. Through innovative exercise equipment and science-based fitness instruction, he aims to make strength training more accessible while helping people remain active, healthy and independent throughout every stage of life.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,542 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.