The Tartan PT

The Problem With “Experts” on Social Media

Over the past few days, I’ve seen some genuinely unsettling nutritional advice and fitness advice being shared online by people presenting themselves as “experts”.

And honestly, it worries me.

Social media has created a situation where having a big following can make someone look like an authority — even when their advice is poorly researched, taken completely out of context, or simply wrong.

I’ve seen people being told that certain foods are “bad”, and don’t be eating those carbs for goodness sake 👀,that perfectly normal eating habits are unhealthy, and that training too hard or too often is somehow inherently bad for you.
Now, there is obviously such a thing as overtraining but not many people get there.
And some of the advice appears to come from some that don’t even train themselves 🤦

Recovery matters.
Nutrition matters.
Rest matters.

But telling people that working hard in the gym is dangerous simply because it’s difficult or uncomfortable is a completely different thing.
Your body is designed to adapt.

Progressive resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and challenging yourself physically can be incredibly beneficial for your strength, fitness, body composition and overall health.

The key is appropriate training, sensible progression, adequate recovery and good nutrition.

Not fear.
Not extremes.
And certainly not taking advice from someone simply because they have 100,000 followers.

As a PT, I don't claim to know everything. In fact, one of the most important things I've learned over more than a decade in this industry is that you should always be willing to question what you think you know.

Look at the evidence.

Consider the context.

Understand the individual.

And be very wary of anyone selling a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are no magic foods.
There is no perfect diet.
And there certainly isn't a magic number of minutes you can train before exercise suddenly becomes “bad for you”.

Train hard. Eat well. Recover properly. Be consistent.

And most importantly, learn to distinguish between someone who is genuinely qualified to give advice and someone who is simply very good at creating content.

Because on social media, confidence isn't the same thing as competence.

Does this sound like you?

Don’t let the hard graft not give the results you deserve.
Accountability is the most important thing, and working with a coach is a great way to achieve what you are aiming for.
Keep working in your current gym/ setting and I’ll work with you to get you where you want.

For over 10 years, Barry M Personal Training has been my identity. It represents countless early mornings, hard work, amazing clients, and helping hundreds of people become stronger, fitter and healthier.

But as my business has grown, I realised it was time for the brand to evolve too.

The Tartan PT is more than just a new name. It reflects who I am, where I’m from, and what I believe in. The tartan represents my Scottish roots, resilience, community and strength—values that are at the heart of everything I do.

The name may have changed, but the mission hasn’t.

I’m still committed to delivering honest coaching, building strength, improving confidence, and helping people achieve results that last. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just proven training, accountability and hard work.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me as Barry M Personal Training. I’m excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to continue the journey as The Tartan PT.

Do you need a program to build strength/ lose fat/ for a functional event like hy-r-ox?

Message me 07825108855 💪

PT slot available… The Bunker

With me, 6am Tuesday.

Contact me for a chat if you ever thought about it/ considering it!

Cracking few days in Campbeltown to see the family! Doesn’t matter the weather was sh*te, we still got down the beaches, and in for swims!
Cold weather means entire beach to yourself…