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Bryce Hastings

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Head of Research, Technical Advisor

Bryce Hastings drives the science behind the sweat, leading world class research that shapes how millions of people train. Working alongside internationally renowned research partners, Bryce bridges the gap between the lab and the gym floor, ensuring every LES MILLS™ program is safe, effective, and powered by science.

He has developed numerous research programs and co authored reports across a range of fitness and scientific publications. These include the landmark Get Fit Together trial, alongside research into core conditioning, high intensity interval training, and exercise strategies for sedentary individuals.

A certified Physical Therapist since 1986, Bryce’s academic work is supported by extensive hands on experience. He owned a private practice within the original Les Mills World of Fitness in Auckland and holds an Advanced Diploma in Manipulative Therapy and a Master of Philosophy from Auckland University of Technology, where he serves as a Research Associate and lectured part time for eight years.

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Articles by Bryce

Exercise and pregnancy
Bryce Hastings
Pregnancy & child
December 18, 2017

Exercise and pregnancy

Safety and science are at the core of all Les Mills programs. Read our advice on how to stay healthy and active during your pregnancy.

HOW TO OFFSET DOWNTIME
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
December 18, 2017

HOW TO OFFSET DOWNTIME

Research shows regular exercise doesn’t prevent the detrimental effects of being inactive for long periods. Bryce Hastings explains actions you can take to undo time spent sitting.

BARBELLS VS BODY WEIGHT
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
December 18, 2017

BARBELLS VS BODY WEIGHT

Discover the strength-building benefits of body weight exercises, how to advance your body weight exercises and the best approach to building strength.

MYTHBUSTING: LUNGES
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
December 18, 2017

MYTHBUSTING: LUNGES

The backward stepping lunge is the best way to get ahead with lower body strength training - so what's the smart way to lunge forward.

The effects of LES MILL CORE group fitness classes and exercise on stress and the quality of life of medical students
Bryce Hastings
Research
November 1, 2017

The effects of LES MILL CORE group fitness classes and exercise on stress and the quality of life of medical students

The life of a medical student is stressful and as a result, there can be serious consequences on student health such as high burnout, high rates of depression, stress, low quality of life and fatigue. Read more.

BODYPUMP and bone density study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
September 1, 2017

BODYPUMP and bone density study

BODYPUMP is an ideal way to stay fit and strong and remain healthy as we age.

Push-up study
Bryce Hastings
Research
August 13, 2017

Push-up study

The great push-up debate – will doing them on your knees increase your upper body strength and make you strong enough to do them on your toes?

THE TRIP study
Bryce Hastings
Research
May 23, 2017

THE TRIP study

Do the immersive qualities of THE TRIP increase the intensity of a person’s workout without them noticing how hard they are pushing themselves?

BORN TO MOVE study
Bryce Hastings
Research
August 24, 2016

BORN TO MOVE study

Physical inactivity and increased prevalence of sedentary behaviors in youth are associated with negative health indicators such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Group Fitness Instructor injury survey
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
June 1, 2016

Group Fitness Instructor injury survey

3,175 group fitness instructors (aged 16-70) answered questions related to current training practices and typical musculoskeletal injuries.

BODYPUMP Rep Effect Study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
April 1, 2015

BODYPUMP Rep Effect Study

‍What causes the biggest energy output - slow or fast contractions? Or, in BODYPUMP language, a slow 4/4 tempo, or the faster singles?

LES MILLS SPRINT study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
April 1, 2015

LES MILLS SPRINT study

Replacing just one session of moderate-intensity exercise with two HIIT classes per week for six weeks significantly improves the health, fitness and strength of physically active adults.

LES MILLS GRIT soccer study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
April 1, 2014

LES MILLS GRIT soccer study

‍Can LES MILLS GRIT™ classes (a form of high-intensity interval training involving explosive plyometric and dynamic strength exercises) improve VO2max and body composition in elite women’s soccer players?

Get fit with LES MILLS GRIT study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
March 1, 2014

Get fit with LES MILLS GRIT study

‍Can the high-intensity interval training of LES MILLS GRIT™ cause a change in fit adults?

LES MILLS CORE study
Bryce Hastings
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Research
March 1, 2013

LES MILLS CORE study

‍Which type of exercise - isolation or integration - will provoke the greater muscle activation and therefore provide optimal results in aiding sports performance, rehab and general fitness?