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Bryce Hastings

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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

Does exercise help you lose weight? What the science really says
Bryce Hastings
No items found.
August 11, 2026

Does exercise help you lose weight? What the science really says

Exercise alone may not lead to major weight loss, but it plays a critical role in heart health, muscle maintenance, metabolism, and long-term weight management.

Endurance vs Intensity: The new science says go harder, but don’t ditch the long run
Bryce Hastings
Training
July 14, 2026

Endurance vs Intensity: The new science says go harder, but don’t ditch the long run

New research suggests exercise intensity may play a meaningful role in reducing chronic disease risk. Explore the benefits of HIIT, endurance training, and how to balance both for better health.

Pregnancy modifications
Bryce Hastings
Pregnancy & child
May 8, 2026

Pregnancy modifications

Recommendations for safe exercise during pregnancy

Digital and Live Intensity
Bryce Hastings
Research
May 3, 2025

Digital and Live Intensity

This study compares exertion and enjoyment levels between a live BODYCOMBAT™ class in the gym and two digital formats (livestream and on demand) of the same workout. Read more.

BODYBALANCE and Exam Stress
Bryce Hastings
Research
May 3, 2025

BODYBALANCE and Exam Stress

This study highlights how BODYBALANCE™ workouts can ease pre-exam anxiety. Read more.

Habit Study
Bryce Hastings
Research
April 22, 2025

Habit Study

This study compares the effectiveness of multiple exercise habit-forming strategies, including goal setting, intrinsic motivation, preparation habit formation and instigation habit formation. Read more.

Born To Move Youth Leadership Study
Bryce Hastings
Research
Impact
April 22, 2025

Born To Move Youth Leadership Study

This study explored the perceptions of youth leaders participating in peer-led BORN TO MOVE™ classes. Read more.

3 simple tweaks to lift your lunge game
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
Latest Research
July 15, 2024

3 simple tweaks to lift your lunge game

How to effectively lunge to strengthen the legs, work your butt and increase cardio fitness. Learn the common lunge mistakes and how to maximize results.

UPRIGHT ROWS
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
April 5, 2024

UPRIGHT ROWS

It’s been tarnished as a shoulder wrecker and called out as the one move that can bring your training to a grinding halt. Not true. Those who bad-mouth the upright row should simply explore how to nail perfect technique.

The Rep Effect
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
April 5, 2024

The Rep Effect

The secret to BODYPUMP is The Rep Effect – a breakthrough in resistance training that helps create long, lean muscles and a toned, strong physique.

Hover or Plank?
Bryce Hastings
Fitness
April 5, 2024

Hover or Plank?

LES MILLS TONE and postpartum anxiety
Bryce Hastings
Research
October 25, 2022

LES MILLS TONE and postpartum anxiety

With rates of postpartum anxiety on the rise, this important study shows how eight weeks of bi-weekly LES MILLS TONE™ workouts can significantly ease any anxiety and stress new mothers experience.

LES MILLS CORE and Lower Back pain
Bryce Hastings
Research
October 25, 2022

LES MILLS CORE and Lower Back pain

Eight weeks of bi-weekly LES MILLS CORE™ workouts can benefit people suffering from lower back pain.

Forget exercise guidelines
Bryce Hastings
Health
July 19, 2021

Forget exercise guidelines

Bryce Hastings highlights the flaws with current exercise guidelines and reveals that much less exercise than recommended can offer the same benefits.

Squat load and depth in BODYPUMP
Bryce Hastings
Research
July 2, 2021

Squat load and depth in BODYPUMP

This study looked at the effect of these parameters on muscle activation in the lower limb during a typical BODYPUMP squat condition.