Les Mills Expands Research Team

Jon: What have your journeys been?

Dr Gottschall: I started taking Les Mills classes as a graduate student in biomechanics and physiology, using BODYPUMP™ as cross-training for triathlons. Over time, I became more aware of participants' technique and grew concerned about the biomechanical safety of forward lunges. As an Instructor, Master Trainer Sheldon McBee encouraged me to share my concerns with Bryce Hastings, Les Mills Head of Research, who, along with Jackie, appreciated the data showing the superiority of backward lunges. That connection sparked our collaboration, and my first official project was helping to develop LES MILLS CORE™!

Dr Hatfield: My research focuses on biomechanics in clinical populations, particularly muscle activation patterns in people with knee osteoarthritis and lower back pain. Past studies I contributed to found differences in abdominal and back muscle activity between those who recovered from lower back pain and those who never experienced it. I planned a study on whether exercise could modify these patterns to reduce recurrence risk, using LES MILLS CORE, which had helped my own chronic back pain. I reached out to Bryce in 2019, and that marked the beginning!

Jon: How would you describe your role within Les Mills over the past few years?

Dr Hatfield: In addition to the research I’ve done looking at the benefits of various programs, such as LES MILLS CORE, BODYBALANCE™, and LES MILLS TONE™ in different populations, such as people with lower back pain, postpartum women, and university students, I’m involved in testing efficacy of new programs.  New programs are first trialled in Les Mills gyms in New Zealand where there might be changes based on feedback from the creative team.

Next, it goes for efficacy testing - does this program do what we intend for it to do? For example, as a result of the testing for LES MILLS SHAPES™, I found doing the workouts three times per week for 6 weeks improved dynamic balance, abdominal muscle endurance and back muscle endurance. Last year I did the efficacy testing for LES MILLS PILATES™.

Efficacy testing means we can be confident in the benefits of these programs when they are launched internationally. 

Now I have joined the technical team, I am also involved in signing off new releases of BODYATTACK™, BODYSTEP™, and BODYBALANCE programs each quarter, making sure choreography is safe and targeting the intended muscles. I work with the Masterclass presenters during rehearsals, making sure what they say is scientifically accurate, mandatory safety cues are given, and the execution of moves is perfect.

Dr Gottschall:  My specialties within Les Mills relate to high intensity (GRIT™ and LES MILLS SPRINT™) as well as LES MILLS CORE and all cycling (RPM™, LES MILLS SPRINT, THE TRIP™).