New ‘Level 4 Specialist Practitioner’ qualifications for personal trainers wanting to meet specific client needs in growing areas of complaint – caused by overeating and inactivity – have been launched by Focus Training.

The course combines Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral with a choice of either Level 4 Lower Back Pain Specialist or Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes Specialist.

Head of operations Ben Jackson says personal trainers want more choice of specialist courses, with a view to strengthening their skillset and boosting earning potential.

“Smart PTs who like to stay ahead of the trends will realise that our ageing population is creating a massive rise in exercise referrals from GPs and that our more sedentary lifestyles are creating more problems with obesity," he said.

"Those PTs want a qualification that will enable them to capitalise on the increased opportunities in these specific sectors.”

Fully accredited ‘Specialist Practitioner’ courses are running at venues across the country throughout the summer. The course qualifies for advanced learning loans, meaning over 24-year-olds can apply for government funding.