Inside the Xplate Training System on Kickstarter - Interview

We sat down with the creator of Xplate Training System on Kickstarter to uncover how a wrestling-inspired idea evolved into one of the most compact, ergonomic, and premium fitness systems ever built. From engineering breakthroughs to lifestyle-driven design, here’s how Xplate is changing the way people train anywhere.

From Concept to Creation: Xplate Training System on Kickstarter

What first inspired the idea behind Xplate, and how did you transform it from a simple portable training concept into a complete, all-in-one weight system?

The idea for xplate was inspired by a plate workout my wrestling coach used to have me do. I saw the huge benefits, but realized many people avoided it because of the awkward grip. With my background in biomedical engineering, I focused on improving the ergonomics and biomechanics.

I used the 18-inch diameter of a standard 45-pound plate as the foundation and designed various fitness tools—like kettlebells and curl bars—within that space. It was like solving a puzzle, ensuring everything worked together efficiently. Eventually, xplate evolved into a complete system. We added a wheeled Pelican case so users could easily travel further and store all accessories in one compact place.

Engineering Compact Strength

Xplate combines plates, bars, and kettlebells in one sleek system. What were the biggest design challenges in achieving real strength performance while keeping it ultra-compact and portable?

One of the biggest challenges with xplate was getting it down to a price point where we felt confident bringing it to market.

From the beginning, we chose the highest-quality materials—like precision-machined parts and high-grade ceramic coating—to make sure the patented dovetail connections worked exactly as intended. But early quotes were intimidating. The cost was so high, we weren’t sure if people would actually adopt it.

We knew we had to create something that felt premium but was still accessible—especially for people who don’t have much time or space to work out. That meant holding off on launching a Kickstarter two years ago and instead running a full test production round of over 100 units. We used that time to refine the process, reduce inefficiencies, and collect real user feedback.

I spent nearly two years working closely with our manufacturers, making sure we didn’t compromise on quality or performance—only on cost. And now, finally, we’ve hit that sweet spot: a product that’s built to last, priced to reach more people, and ready for the world.

Form Meets Function

Your materials and finish choices—precision-machined metal with ceramic coating—stand out in the fitness world. How did you balance durability, feel, and aesthetics to create something built to last?

The fitness world is changing—people care not just about performance, but about how their gear looks and feels. We’re seeing this shift toward more premium, lifestyle-driven equipment, and honestly, most traditional gym gear just doesn’t keep up. It rusts, it falls apart, and it doesn’t feel like something you'd be proud to own.

With xplate, I didn’t want to launch just another plastic product. I wanted to create something that felt premium, looked sleek, and was built to last. Something you’d actually want to pick up—not just because it works, but because it looks good and feels even better. It’s that “sexy” factor, and I think it matters. People want to feel good about the tools they use, and that extends to their workouts.

My background is in biomedical engineering, specifically spinal orthopedics. For nearly a decade, I designed surgical instruments that had to survive thousands of uses in the OR without failure—because a single failure meant downtime, cost, or worse. That same mindset of durability, precision, and reliability is what I brought to xplate. I applied that medical-grade design approach to fitness—only without over-engineering it or driving the price out of reach.

So the result is a product that’s not just functional and durable—it’s aesthetically elevated and engineered to withstand real use, day after day.

Smart Training, Real Movement

The xOS app connects guided workouts with functional hardware. How does the digital side enhance the physical experience, and what makes your biomechanical approach unique among fitness systems?

The xOS app was designed to enhance the physical experience of xplate by giving you structured, guided workouts you can access anywhere—whether you're at home, camping, at the park, or on the road. Unlike bulky systems like Tonal or Mirror, xOS doesn’t tie you to a wall. It lives on your phone or tablet and moves with you.

But the real power of xOS is in its simplicity. A lot of people struggle with consistency. Life gets busy. That’s why we built xOS with shorter workouts—10 to 15 minutes—that help you maintain momentum, even on hectic days. Because the biggest threat to long-term fitness isn’t doing too little… it’s doing nothing for too long.

From a biomechanical standpoint, the body is made to move in rotation. Most traditional fitness tools ignore that. With xplate, and especially the double-kettlebell and band configurations, you can train the way your body naturally moves—building real-world strength while also protecting your joints, ligaments, and spine.

And when you want to go deeper, xOS lets you focus on eccentric/concentric control, balance, and variable resistance training using the curl bars, pulley system, and more. It’s all built to help you move better, not just lift more.

Beyond Kickstarter: The Future of Xplate

After the success of Xplate Training System on Kickstarter, what’s next for your brand? Do you envision expanding into new accessories, upgraded models, or a full ecosystem for functional training?

We definitely already have some ideas around future add-ons and accessories. We’d love to see xplate incorporated into more physical therapy offices, where we’ve already started to see strong interest. We’re also focused on athletes who travel—a huge market for compact, high-performance equipment—and we want to make it easier for them to train anywhere without sacrificing quality.

Beyond that, we’ve had early conversations around government contracts and see a lot of potential in military applications. There’s also interest in getting xplate into Airbnbs and hotels to offer guests a private, portable training option they can use wherever they are.

Overall, we’re excited to build out a full ecosystem—partnering with bigger names, supporting recovery and injury prevention, and continuing to expand the brand beyond just the core product. Kickstarter is really just the starting point. It gave us the credibility and momentum we needed to take the next step.

Thank you to the Xplate team for sharing the journey behind this groundbreaking fitness innovation. By merging biomechanics, smart design, and functional elegance, the Xplate Training System on Kickstarter is shaping the future of portable strength. It’s not just about lifting more—it’s about training smarter, anywhere.

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About the Creator of the Xplate Training System on Kickstarter

The Xplate team brings together expertise in biomedical engineering and performance design to create fitness equipment that fuses strength, ergonomics, and aesthetic precision. Their mission is simple: empower people to train effectively, wherever life takes them.

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