a unique approach designed by a passionate physical therapist

DefiPlate™ is the world’s first deficit training plate — designed to challenge lifters and expand what’s possible with a barbell. Proudly made in the USA. Patent pending.

DefiPlate™ offers:

• Lower pull height for built-in deficits (4”)

• Integrated handles for seamless landmine work

• Flat base for rock-solid setups

• Extra length that provides bar path feedback and unique chaos training options

Our story

Longtime friends Jacob Ciolino, PT, DPT and Karan Ghuman, mechanical engineer, partnered to begin TherAct, LLC, inspired by their passion for innovation, and fueled by extra time they had during the COVID-19 pandemic. They started with developing unique grips, then evolved to designing DefiPlate™. Karan’s skills in 3D printing and engineering have been pivotal to this project. Jacob’s career in physical therapy and personaI interest in strength sports have been major drivers in the pursuit of bringing DefiPlate™ to the public. He enjoys sharing them with his gym mates at Rusty Barbell in Ypsilanti, MI, where you may also see his toddler running around and learning how to do a proper deadlift.

A man with a beard, glasses, and a sleeveless gray shirt standing behind a black table with a large black defibrillation paddles. There is a black curtain in the background and a sign with the word 'DEFIPLATE' and a graphic of versatile weight plate.
A close-up of a stability challenged barbell weight plate on a barbell stand against a brick wall.