
Behind the Athlete: A Conversation with 2x Mr. Olympia Ryan Terry
Find out why Versa Gripps are the weightlifting grips bodybuilder Ryan Terry trusts most.
When it comes to discipline, dedication, and determination, few athletes embody it all quite like Ryan Terry. Hailing from the UK, Terry’s journey into fitness began at just 14, motivated by a desire to boost his confidence.
What started as a personal mission quickly evolved into a professional pursuit—one that would see him trade in his tools as a plumber and gas engineer for dumbbells and posing trunks.
After winning Mr. Great Britain in 2010, Terry was determined to capture bodybuilding’s ultimate title. Today, he’s a two-time Mr. Olympia winner (2023 and 2024) and a three-time Arnold Classic champion.
In addition to competing and modeling, Ryan has authored popular fitness guides, including his Road to Olympia series and 6 Pack Abs, sharing the lessons he’s learned over the years.
We reached out to Ryan Terry by email to learn more about his fitness journey and how Versa Gripps helped him train better for years on his path to Mr. Olympia. The following interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Can you share a bit about your fitness journey? When did you start?
Growing up from an early age I was massively into competitive sports which included football, gymnastics, swimming, and golf. I started lifting weights in a gym at the age of 14.
What first got you passionate about strength training?
I loved how it made me feel, sculpting my physique, and I loved the competitiveness it gave me to keep improving each time I went to the gym.
Was there a defining moment when you realized lifting and fitness could potentially be a career for you?
In 2013, while still working as a plumber, I decided to enter my first men’s physique show. This was the first ever such show in the UK, and I was fortunate enough to win, which propelled me 6 months later to the Arnold Classic Europe stage and the British championships.
I won all three shows in my rookie year and that was the moment my life and career changed.
What does your typical weekly workout routine look like right now?

Some might think it’s overtraining, but I train every day—once in the morning doing LIIT cardio, mobility, and core work, then once in the afternoon hitting an individual muscle part.
When did you first start using Versa Gripps, and what made you try them?
I first started using Versa Gripps back in 2018 when I was in the thick of a prep. I realized my hand grip was failing before the muscle part I was using did, which made me think I might have been hindering my progression slightly in the gym.
That’s when I turned to Versa Gripps, as I had seen them at fitness expos and on social media.
Why do you like Versa Gripps products?
I have just recently got the Xtreme pair, but I had my original Pro Gripps for 7 years and—although smelly and a little worn—they have stood the test of time and have been invaluable in my training.
How have Versa Gripps changed or enhanced your training performance?
Versa Gripps have helped elevate my training by allowing me to lift heavier or in a more stable manner, which in turn has helped my progression in the gym.
Was there a specific lift or moment where you realized the difference Versa Gripps made?
I always used to fail on deadlifts with my grip strength, this was one exercise where I saw a massive improvement when using Versa Gripps.
What’s your favorite feature of Versa Gripps that sets them apart from other lifting accessories?
In truth I can’t really answer this in an unbiased way, because I have only ever used Versa Gripps when it comes to lifting accessories!
How do you personally incorporate Versa Gripps into your different workouts—pull days, heavy lifts, etc.?

I typically only use Versa Gripps for back workouts, as this is where I will mostly be using grip strength for pulling movements like deadlifts, bent-over barbell row, lat pull downs, etc.
Do you prefer the Pro Series, Xtreme Series, or another model—and why?
I have just switched from the Pro series to the Xtreme series to see if I like one more than the other, but truthfully, they both feel great. They wrap comfortably around my wrists and any bar in seconds, so [they] don’t slow me down or take my focus away between sets.
How do you recommend Versa Gripps to someone who’s never used lifting aids before?
Versa Gripps are very easy to use and can wrap around any bar in seconds. Once you have used them in one session, they will become second nature to you.
What type of athletes or fitness enthusiasts do you think benefit most from Versa Gripps?
I think Versa Gripps can fit into any style of training, therefore any athlete from any sport can use them.
As a Versa Gripps enthusiast, what message do you most want to share with people about training gear?
If training accessories can help just even 1%, why would you not use them? In my chosen field of bodybuilding, 1% can be the difference between 1st and 2nd place.
Get Versa Gripps and Train Better

Ryan Terry knows what it takes to train at the highest level, and that’s why he trusts Versa Gripps. He’s in good company—Versa Gripps are trusted by top athletes all over the world.
Whether you’re just starting out or pushing for a podium finish, there’s a Versa Gripps product for you. Versa Gripps help prevent grip fatigue, giving you the stability and control you need to lift heavier and train harder without sacrificing form.
Choose from the Classic or FitPro series or go for advanced support with the Pro or Xtreme series. You can even customize your Pro or Xtreme weightlifting grips with a short or long strap and personalized embroidery, for a truly tailored fit and design.
Get Versa Gripps and train better.