Barry's owner reveals 'obvious' mistake people make in the gym without realising

Sandy Macaskill, co-owner and trainer at Barry's UK
-Credit: (Image: Barry's)


The co-owner of one of the UK’s leading gyms has revealed some of the most common mistakes he sees when people work out. Sandy Macaskill, a masters trainer at Barry’s UK, located in Flannels Flagship store opposite St John’s Shopping Centre, said there are several “obvious” things people do wrong without realising.

The trainer, who has instructed the likes of David Beckham, Harry Styles and Ellie Goulding, said he tends to see squats, deadlifts and the “standout gold-medal culprit” the snatch all executed wrongly. Thankfully, he has issued some advice to the ECHO on how fitness fanatics can improve their form and technique.

He said, “For squats, I see knees collapsing and heels lifting. You should push through your heels rather than your toes and ensure your feet are hip-width apart to avoid knees collapsing.

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“With deadlifts, people’s backs tend to be more crooked than a particular ex-president. Whereas you should track the weight down the front of your thighs hinging your hips backwards with a slight bend in the knee and a neutral spine. Finally, for the snatch, ensure you rip the dumbbell from the floor with a flat back, tracking it as close to your body as possible.

"Keep your elbow high and then punch the dumbbell out at the top above your head in an explosive manner with knees in a squat position before standing up straight with your arm locked out. This also shouldn’t be done at a silly speed.” Sandy explained Liverpool instructors can guide you to get the correct form at their upcoming Halloween-themed class.

Happening on Thursday, 31 October at 5.30 pm, the ‘abs and ass’ class will be co-hosted by Claudia and Tate and will feature a themed playlist. You can sign up for it here - with a newcomer discount available.