Back in Top Form - The Recovery Story of a Champion

Peter Böhler has achieved great things: European Champion and third place in the World Bodybuilding Cup. However, after opening his own studio, he went through a personal low point — and a radical career shift. With the EISENHORN Strenght Station S, he found his way back to fitness, rebuilding both his physical and mental strength. Today, he’s redesigning his life with new efficiency and power. Discover how his home gym continues to inspire him and his family.

EISENHORN: Hi Peter, tell us a bit about yourself. How did your passion for weightlifting actually start?

Peter Böhler: Hello, I am Peter Böhler, born and raised in the Black Forest. My fascination for muscular bodies began early, around the age of 14. Back then, TV reports and sports magazines totally inspired me. I told myself: "I want to look like that one day too!"

Eisenhorn: What did your training look like back then?

Peter Böhler: Quite simple: I started with push-ups - in my own basement. Gradually, I set up my own little gym. I mostly put together the equipment myself, as best as I could. At first, everything was really exciting, but eventually it became monotonous. I was missing variety, and that made it difficult for me to stay motivated in the long run.

EISENHORN: Was there a moment that gave you the decisive impulse to keep going?

Peter Böhler: Yes, it existed. I remember exactly a before-and-after picture in a bodybuilding magazine. That really caught my attention. I wanted to see such progress too - to look exactly like the athlete in the magazine. From that moment on, I intensified my training. The progress came slowly but steadily. And I noticed: I have a good genetic predisposition for muscle building. That further motivated me.

EISENHORN: Peter, how did things progress for you after the first few years of training? When did you take the next step?

Peter Böhler: Over time, my passion for weightlifting grew stronger. Eventually, I realized that the basement was no longer sufficient. So, I switched to the gym. There, I had many more options to vary my training and build muscles more effectively. This significantly accelerated my progress.

EISENHORN: When did you decide to participate in competitions?

Peter Böhler: That was in 1989 at the international Schwarzwaldcup - my very first competition. I knew, of course, that compared to the other participants, I did not have enough muscle mass yet. But this competition was still a formative experience for me. I wanted to improve, no matter what! And I was determined to continue participating in competitions.

EISENHORN: What did your path look like after that?

Peter Böhler: I intensified my training once again and participated in many championships in the following years. It paid off: I was able to win several regional titles, became Vice-German Junior Champion, and then also German Champion in the men's category.

EISENHORN: An impressive journey! What was your athletic highlight?

Peter Böhler: That was 1993. In Sicily, I became the European heavyweight champion - that was my greatest success. In the same year, I finished third at the World Championship in New Zealand. Two years later, in 1995 in Malta, I was able to achieve third place again at the World Championship. That was my last participation on the world stage.

EISENHORN: Peter, after your success in bodybuilding, you also tried your hand as an entrepreneur. How did that come about?

Peter Böhler: Yes, that's correct. In 1994, I founded my own fitness studio. I wanted to share my knowledge of strength training and build a professional studio. It was an exciting time. We had comprehensive equipment, and many members joined. I was fully committed - the studio was a matter of the heart for me.

EISENHORN: But then there was a break in your life. What happened?

Peter Böhler: Unfortunately yes. A personal crisis forced me to end my career and sell my studio. It was a very difficult phase for me. I then moved to Bavaria and worked in a gym there.

EISENHORN: You even completely reoriented yourself later, right?

Peter Böhler: Exactly. After a few years in the studio, I decided to take a completely different path and work as a beer delivery driver. This job was also physically demanding, but I still missed sports a lot.

EISENHORN: When did you find your way back to training again?

Peter Böhler: After about two years without sports, I felt that I really missed structured training. However, I didn't want to go to the gym anymore - I simply lacked the motivation. Then I stumbled upon the EISENHORN strenght station on the internet by chance. The quality and versatility immediately fascinated me. After a detailed consultation, it was clear to me: This is exactly what I need. So I bought the equipment - and found my way back to training.

EISENHORN: Peter, how has your daily life changed since you have the EISENHORN S at home?

Peter Böhler: Since I got the EISENHORN S and set up my own gym, my daily routine has fundamentally changed. My training is now much more flexible and effective — I can target all the major muscle groups right at home. The versatility of the exercises impresses me every day, and the equipment is both space-saving and visually appealing.

EISENHORN: What benefits do you see besides physical fitness?

Peter Böhler: Besides improving my physical fitness, my mental well-being has also significantly improved. I especially appreciate that I no longer have to drive to the gym but can train intensively at home in a short amount of time. This allows me to have more time for myself after work and especially for my wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. She also regularly uses the EISENHORN strenght station to maintain her mobility and muscle strength. This helps both of us to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

EISENHORN: What would you recommend to people who are considering training with an EISENHORN power station?

Peter Böhler: For all those who want to improve their fitness, the EISENHORN is a great choice. With my knowledge of anatomy and muscles I can say: This device is just fun. Nobody wants to give it back! It is the best investment for the body - whether young or old. Efficient and enjoyable training, that's what the EISENHORN offers perfectly.