Dr. Peters’ work focuses on resistance training as a primary intervention for preserving muscle mass, strength, and metabolic health across the lifespan. He has presented at national conferences and delivered invited lectures to clinical, academic, and community audiences. Notable engagements include the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, invited lectures for the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric Department, and presentations for corporate and community health programs.

In addition to his academic role, Dr. Peters brings more than a decade of experience in clinical exercise practice, working primarily with middle-aged and older adults. His work integrates research, teaching, and applied practice to improve long-term health outcomes.

Degress

PhD, Kent State University, 

Awards 

  • Featured Business of the City: Independence Magazine (2025);
  • Cleveland Magazine "Best of the West" Finalist (2020);
  • Crain's Cleveland "40 Under 40" Nominee (2019);
  • Published author, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal (2026);
  • Editorial Board Member & Reviewer, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal (2019- Present)

Academic and Professional Highlights

Prior Positions

  • University of Akron, Adjunct Professor

Areas of Research/Expertise

  • Aging and neurological disorders that limit movement and recovery
  • Exercise and effect on neurological rehabilitation
  • Physical responses to physiological stress
  • Muscular response and recovery
  • Health, nutrition and obesity

Appointments and Certifications

  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist
  • ACSM Exercise is Medicine certification
  • ACSM Health & Fitness Journal - Editorial board member & manuscript reviewer
  • CUC Health & Wellness committee member
  • Teaching, Learning & Technology Council member representing the College of Health, Sciences & Technology
  • Faculty Senate member
  • Faculty Senate taskforce meeting on mission and identity
  • Program lead Exercise Physiology concentration accreditation
  • University Institutional Review Board member
  • Sciences and Technology, Faculty Senate member
  • University Health & Wellness committee member

Publications:

  • Trocchio, L. L., & Peters, F. J. (2025). The experience of adults with obesity using semaglutide or tirzepatide: A qualitative study. Obesity Pillars, 7, 100816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100816

  • Peters, F. (2026). Sarcopenia and Dynapenia: Harnessing Resistance Training to Counter Age-Related Muscle Decline. ACSM?s Health & Fitness Journal.

  • Peters, F. (2025). The New American Addiction: How Weight-Loss Drugs Could Create the Next Epidemic. Journal of Sports Medicine and Therapy, 7(2).

  • Harper, S. A., Peters, F. J., Pollock, B. S., Burns, K. J., McDaniel, J., & Ridgel, A. L. (2021). Design of an eccentric recumbent ergometer to elicit delayed onset muscle soreness. Research Directs in Strength and Performance, 1(1), 3.

  • Peters, F. (2022). 10 Dietary Combinations to Improve Health. ACSM?s Health & Fitness Journal, 26(4), 64.

  • Peters, F. (2025). The Clinical Exercise Blueprint: A Doctor's Guide to Reclaiming Strength, Energy, and Health for Life. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Presentations:

  • Sarcopenia, Strength, and Aging ; Cleveland Clinic Bariatric Department

  • Training with a Fitness Professional Reduces Exercise Self-Efficacy in Sedentary, Obese Older Adults ; American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting

  • The Most Important Prescription Your Doctor Can't Give You ; Cleveland Clinic

  • Blue Zone Diet & Health MythBusters ; City of Independence Community Health Series

  • Distinguished Alumni Speaker ; John Carroll University

  • Subject Matter Expert, ACSM Annual Meeting Poster Sessions (Physiology, Adipose Tissue, Sleep, Cardiometabolic Health),