Low-cost Norwegian chain EVO Fitness has continued its expansion programme with the opening of four new clubs during the first half of 2011.

The clubs - located in Lillestrom, Moss, Greaaker and Fredrikstad - are part of an aggressive roll-out. EVO currently has 14 clubs, all of which have opened in less than 18 months, and a goal of reaching 20 clubs by the end of 2011.

The unmanned EVO clubs are a new concept in Norway. Rather than staffing the sites, EVO manages them using a new IT system - Credlock - developed by EVO at a cost of €3m euro.

This enables the chain to take charge of membership contracts and payments, club access and personal training bookings over the internet, 24 hours a day, and keeps the cost of membership to less than €37m a month.

Each of the 450sq m clubs offers a full complement of Precor's cardio and C-line strength equipment, plus Precor free weights.

In addition, all of the clubs have between three and five personal trainers, each running their own business from the gym on a self-employed basis.