The énergie Group Scotland is to become Scotland's biggest fitness operator as it prepares for eight new club openings in the country during 2013.

The group's portfolio includes 14 clubs and gyms from the Fit4less, Fitness for Women and Fitness Clubs brands.

Recent openings include the new Fit4less in East Kilbride, which was formally a Fitness First as well as a Fitness for Women club in Galashiels.

The Fit4less that opened in East Kilbride in December is an 18,000sq ft (1,672sq m) space that includes the latest Precor and TKO equipment, extensive cardio, free weights, resistance and freestyle area and over 55 group exercise classes per week.

Elsewhere, the new Fitness for Women club in Galashiels consists of a 3,000sq ft (279sq m) space and includes the hydraulic weight loss circuit and a fitness studio for daily classes.

The opening consists of two phases, the second being the opening of the club's mezzanine floor to offer additional services and facilities.

The next openings under the énergie Group Scotland management will be Glasgow South and the Scottish Borders, which are both due to open in May.

David Weir said: "The franchised énergie model is attracting interest from investors nationally and internationally.

"The recent opening of Fit4less East Kilbride has been one of the Group's success stories for Scotland and England. The gym has started with 1,400 members and is in profit from day one and growing."