Learn more

Bryce Hastings

Alana Shortt
Alessandra Casagrande
Alex Hernandez
Amandeep Ahuja
Benjamin Siolo
Bevan James Eyles
Bryce Hastings
Carrie Knight
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Emma Hogan
Erica Croke
Finlay Macdonald
Glen Ostergaard
Global Head Trainers
Ish Cheyne
Jak Phillips
Jo Bryce
Joe Chalmers
Jonathan Tustain
Karolina Klosowska
Kate Cracknell
Kayla Atkins-Gordine
Kaylah-Blayr Fitzsimons-Nu’u
Khiran Huston
Kylie Gates
Lee Smith
Les Mills
Les Mills Brazil
Les Mills Germany
Les Mills Global Instructor Team
Les Mills Netherlands
Les Mills Nordic
Les Mills UK
Lisa Osborne
Little Bird Organics
Luke Tumaru
Margo White
Marie Anagnostis
Mark Nu'u-Steele
Marlon Woods
Matt Thraxton
Mike Trott
Niki Bezzant
Phillip Mills
Prof. David Cameron-Smith
Program Directors
Rachael Newsham
Rob Lee
Sarah Shortt
Steve Tansey
Tim Meadows
Will Macdonald
Yan Li
Yukari Azumai
Behind-the-scenes
Instructor Development
Community
Latest Research
Wellbeing
Impact

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.

LinkedIn

Articles by Bryce

Running and joint health
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
November 27, 2020

Running and joint health

Inactivity is more likely to wear out your knees than running marathons. Find out how going for a run or jog can improve your joint health.

BODYPUMP and Active Aging
Bryce Hastings
Research
October 23, 2020

BODYPUMP and Active Aging

Two BODYPUMP™ classes over a 12 week period generates reductions in TNF Alpha (an inflammatory marker) along with significant gains in functional ability, strength and weight loss in a group of sedentary middle aged individuals.

THE RIGHT AND WRONG WAY TO SIT
Bryce Hastings
Health
August 1, 2020

THE RIGHT AND WRONG WAY TO SIT

New insights suggest we consider saying goodbye to chairs for good. Changing the way we sit could be key to ridding the health dangers associated with sedentary behavior.

BODYJAM research
Bryce Hastings
Research
June 1, 2020

BODYJAM research

BODYJAM™ meets the recommended intensity guidelines for exercise programming and is an effective workout for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as for weight loss and weight maintenance.

BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW and Heart Rate Variability Study
Dr Jinger Gottschall
Bryce Hastings
Research
June 1, 2020

BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW and Heart Rate Variability Study

BODYBALANCE / BODYFLOW and Heart Rate Variability Study

Les Mills BODYPUMP and Athleticism Study
Bryce Hastings
Research
October 23, 2019

Les Mills BODYPUMP and Athleticism Study

BODYPUMP™ generates athletic development; improving strength, power and speed.

Les Mills Groupness Study
Bryce Hastings
Research
September 11, 2019

Les Mills Groupness Study

The Les Mills Lab team recently partnered with Penn State University’s Dr Blair Evans to further investigate the group effect.

Social identity in group fitness
Bryce Hastings
Research
July 2, 2019

Social identity in group fitness

The importance of instructors creating a sense of “we” and “us” in group exercise classes.

LIFTING WITHOUT BULKING
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
April 10, 2018

LIFTING WITHOUT BULKING

Myth busting with Bryce Hastings: Lifting weights will not get you big and bulky, in fact, developing muscles is key to getting lean, fit and healthy.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HORMONAL RESPONSES TO BODYPUMP STUDY
Bryce Hastings
Research
April 1, 2018

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND HORMONAL RESPONSES TO BODYPUMP STUDY

This study delved into how people’s physiological and hormonal responses to two different kinds of workouts compared, even when the calories burned were exactly the same.

MODERN HUNTER GATHERERS
Bryce Hastings
Health
December 18, 2017

MODERN HUNTER GATHERERS

A neurological expert highlights the physical, mental and social activity that improves brain function, and the best leisure activities for mental strength.

THE TYRANNY OF THE BATHROOM SCALES
Bryce Hastings
Health
December 18, 2017

THE TYRANNY OF THE BATHROOM SCALES

Monitoring your weight is not the best way to measure the health benefits of exercise. Learn how it is a false indicator, and might even be bad for you.

Are you ready to HIIT it?
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
December 18, 2017

Are you ready to HIIT it?

Find out if high-intensity interval training is right for you, and the best way to incorporate HIIT into your weekly training regime.

SHOE SABOTAGE
Bryce Hastings
Health
December 18, 2017

SHOE SABOTAGE

Learn how wearing high heels for prolonged periods impacts your ability to perform squats and impact exercises and can increase injury risk.

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.