This Is the Long-Lasting Benefit of Working Out in a Group

Ashley Macey
Nov 30, 2017

Attending your first group fitness class can be daunting, but while your inner critic may be listing all the reasons an at-home workout would be much more your speed (YouTube yoga in our pajamas is our go-to), a new study may have you lacing up your SoulCycle shoes on the regular. Published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, the study found that mustering up the courage to try a group fitness class may actually help alleviate work-related stress and improve overall quality of life, even for a group specifically known for high levels of stress and low quality of life: medical students.

Researchers at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine recruited 69 first- and second-year osteopathic medical students, who clock extraordinary long hours while learning high-stakes techniques. Each participant self-selected a 12-week exercise program either within a group setting or as individuals (a control group was also set up that abstained from exercise other than walking or biking as transportation). Participants completed a survey every four weeks that asked them to rate their levels of perceived stress and quality of life in three categories: mental, physical, and emotional.

The survey found that those participating in group exercises (that is, those who spent at least 30 minutes per week in a core strengthening and functional fitness training program) self-described significant improvements in both quality of life and stress reduction. Group fitness-goers reported 12.6 percent higher mental health, 24.8 percent higher physical health, 26 percent higher emotional health, and a 26.2 percent reduction in perceived stress levels. By comparison, while individual exercisers worked out for nearly twice as long, they saw no significant changes in any measure, including physical health, except for an 11 percent increase in mental quality of life. The researchers are careful to note that this doesn’t mean individual exercise is bad — any physical exercise is beneficial for overall well-being — but there could be additional benefits to working out in a group.

“The communal benefits of coming together with friends and colleagues, and doing something difficult, while encouraging one another, pays dividends beyond exercising alone,” says lead researcher Dayna M. Yorks. “The findings support the concept of a mental, physical, and emotional approach to health that is necessary for student doctors and physicians. Medical schools understand their programs are demanding and stressful. Given this data on the positive impact group fitness can have, schools should consider offering group fitness opportunities,” she added. “Giving students an outlet to help them manage stress and feel better mentally and physically can potentially alleviate some of the burnout and anxiety in the profession.”

While this particular study only focused on several dozen medical school students, we suspect these findings could be translated to anyone with a stressful job or home life. So if you’re needing that extra push to sign up for high-energy Zumba or a local yoga class, this is it. Go get your sweat on, lady!

Are you signing up for any group fitness classes this winter? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

6 Common Foods That Could Be Making Your Stomach Hurt

Some of us know that feeling of a post-lunch stomachache all too well, but many of us are still in the dark about how what we’re eating impacts our digestive systems! Some of the most common foods in your daily routine could be the reason behind your bloating, cramps, or general tummy discomfort. These 6 foods might be messing with your gut – here’s how they can trigger pains, aches, indigestion, and more.

P.S. If you're experiencing frequent stomach pain, it might be helpful to keep a food diary and note when any symptoms occur to help you identify specific triggers. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is a good idea.

Scroll on for 6 foods that commonly cause stomach discomfort.

Mark Stebnicki / PEXELS

1. Hot peppers

Hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and more contain capsaicin, which lends them their spicy heat. Though capsaicin can totally enhance the flavors of certain dishes, it can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing pains, cramps, upset bowel movements, acid reflux, or heartburn.

Shantanu Pal / PEXELS

2. Curry spices

Many common curry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder tend to stimulate stomach acid production. While they can aid digestion when eaten in small amounts, they can be harmful if you're simply sensitive to them or eat ‘em in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation from certain spices.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

3. Milk

Ah, yes – the ol’ lactose intolerance! Milk obviously contains lactose, which is commonly hard to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant or have a sensitive stomach, consuming milk can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea as undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

4. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese contains lactose – though typically in smaller amounts. Nonetheless, it can trigger plenty of tummy problems. Aged cheese in particular can also be high in fat, slowing digestion.

Eyad Tariq / PEXELS

5. Coffee

Coffee is not only naturally acidic on its own, but it also encourages the stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis (AKA inflammation of the stomach lining). On the contrary, it can also speed up digestion, leading to cramping or less-than-ideal bowel movements.

Pixabay / PEXELS

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another naturally acidic food and can trigger acid reflux or heartburn easily. These symptoms are especially prevalent in people with sensitive stomachs or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The acidity can also irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation or indigestion after eating.

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The 'Ransom Canyon' Cast Spilled On Josh Duhamel's Hilarious On-Set Prank

Ransom Canyon might be all drama, but behind the scenes, the cast had a blast. Especially when filming that banquet scene in episode 2, because Josh Duhamel was attacking everyone with bread balls while the cameras were rolling.

"You think like, 'Oh he's a Blue Steel', no," Lizzy Greene tells Brit + Co in our Ransom Canyon interview. "In our big banquet scene in episode 2 while we were shooting, he was rolling up bread balls and flicking them at people. And, like, we're talking in the back of the shots! People would get hit in the hair and they turn around and nothing's there and he's over there giggling, flicking these things. He just wants to have fun."

Keep reading to see Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, & Andrew Liner adventures filming Ransom Canyon, streaming on Netflix now!

But the Ransom Canyon cast says Josh Duhamel's antics helped relieve a lot of stress. "When you're on hour 16 of shooting and you were just like dying and you're like on your second energy drink and then there's someone who's still energized and happy to be there," Lizzy Greene continues.

"There's so much pressure when you're going into this and we know this is Netflix, we're with Minka [Kelly] and Josh and that's big," Andrew Liner says. "And for him to kind of take the edge off for all of us was really gracious and really sweet. So he was a goofball and a jokester sometimes, it helped us feel comfortable and be natural and be able to give a performance that we deemed necessary."

And those performances are definitely memorable. The trio plays a group of high school students caught in a love triangle as they dream of better lives for themselves and their families. And naturally, we had to ask them what their favorite fictional love triangles are.

Lizzy immediately claims Edward, Jacob, and Bella from Twilight, which she describes as "teenage girl heaven."

"I loved it so much. I was a Jacob girl my whole life, whole life until I read all the books and I was like, oh yeah, it's actually Edward," she says. "However, New Moon is amazing and I do wish she would have just at least gotten together with him in New Moon and then maybe they, like, broke up later, but that's my two cents."

Garrett also chimes in with a popular YA series when he brings up The Hunger Games' Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, while Andrew takes a different route.

"One of my favorite movies is Nocturnal Animals," he says. "I think it's a very real — I mean hopefully not that real for you — but I love that one between Armie Hammer, and Jake Gyllenhaal, and Amy Adams."

Netflix

Despite the fact their characters are dealing with some serious drama, these castmates had some quality bonding time while filming. "We all grew up loving Pokemon and we had to go to Target and get all of our groceries and home essentials, and one day we stumble across Pokemon cards and we're like, 'Oh, wouldn't it be funny if we just got a pack?'" Andrew reveals. "And then we got addicted to buying Pokemon cards."

"I'm talking on a level that you will never, we can't even personify how much we probably fueled the economy in Albuquerque and that Target," Lizzy jokes.

Garrett agrees, saying, "If my wallet on me right now, I'd show you the Pokemon cards I have in my wallet. And I made [Andrew] an art piece and collaged Pokemon cards onto this big framed board."

While Pokemon are some cute little virtual creatures, they also got to interact with plenty of cute creatures IRL.

"We had cowboy camp, so we got to New Mexico early," Andrew says. "It ended up being 3 or 4 months of an intensive riding every day, learning to rope, learning to herd cattle, care of them so we didn't look like city kids on horses."

"I love my horse," Garrett adds. "I even got him tattooed on my leg." Talk about a memorable filming experience!

Check out the latest news on Ransom Canyon season 2!

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I’m Finding Peace In My "Soft Girl Era" — 11 Ways It Enhances Self Care

In less than 6 months, I experienced two devastating events that forced me to gauge my relationship with self care. Tough conversations with my inner circle made me aware that I needed to embrace my "soft girl era", but I didn't know where to start. On certain parts of TikTok, it looked like I needed to surround myself with new home decor or beauty buys, while other people implied it's about living a life that's free of stress.

To cut out the noise, I took a break from social media so I could ask myself what I need to thrive. This resulted in me making a temporary decision about my fertility journey, slowly axing out foods that disrupt my hormones, and choosing things that make me feel at peace in my mind, body, and soul.

Uncover 11 ways having a "soft girl era" can help transform your self-care!

1. It Can Help You Examine Your Relationship With Social Media & The News

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Do you have a healthy relationship with social media and the news, or have you been doom scrolling? I'll be the first to say I've had to set strict limits for myself because it's been too easy to stay glued to gossip sites and what's happening in the world. While it's always great to be informed, there is a such thing as information overload that can affect us mentally and emotionally.

Make an effort to find activities to occupy your time sans scrolling endlessly on Instagram, TikTok, or other news platforms.

2. It Allows You To Be Honest With Yourself If You're An Overthinker

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Have you been allowing overthinking to make you feel stressed? If so, you should try writing down or repeating a few phrases to help you calm down. They're such a big help if you have anxiety because they remind you that you can be present in the moment instead of existing solely in your head.

3. It Opens You Up To Asking For Help

Ron Lach/Pexels

This should be in all caps, but I don't want you to think I'm yelling at you. It's just, I know what it's like to be hyper-independent while embodying the traits of a "strong woman." But, there's some things you can't #GirlBoss or #LuckyGirlSyndrome your way out, and it can be devastating if you don't like asking for help maneuvering a tough event.

I'm still processing an emergency situation I was in after what was supposed to be a routine doctor's visit, so I've been out of my element whenever I lean on my family and friends for emotional support. I usually like to deal with sad or scary situations by myself, but not all things are meant to be shouldered by ourselves.

What I can tell you is that asking for help and receiving it makes life a little more peaceful because there's no extra burden of hurting while trying to portray a role society claims it loves.

4. You'll Become Comfortable Journaling Your Thoughts

Tonette Whitted/Dupe

I sound like a broken record, but I feel strongly about journaling your thoughts. It's a way of processing things that have happened and how you feel about them. Also, it can be a place where you create lists of goals, books you want to read, hobbies you want to try, and more!

5. You'll Give Yourself Permission To Rest

Cora Pursley/Dupe

If you can, push the pause button on being available to everyone for a couple of days. Even if you're an extrovert, it never hurts to occasionally stay in bed and do nothing. Take it from someone who has a hard time resting: you're not "lazy" if you're not always going somewhere or talking to someone.

It's completely fine to reset your mind, body, and soul.

6. You'll Begin To Do Nice Things For Yourself 

Abigal Westlin/Dupe

Buying myself flowers is one of my favorite things to do in my soft girl era. Instead of waiting for a man to surprise me with a bouquet outside of Valentine's Day, I regularly adorn my home with tulips or sunflowers. They bring a touch of beauty and greenery to my space which helps on WFH days that feel challenging.

7. It's A Great Way To Rediscover Your Love Of Reading 

Daniela Lara/Dupe

Can you think of the one book that makes you laugh, smile, and cry tears of joy? If so, that's the book you'll want to keep near your nightstand. It'll help you break up with your dependence on screen time while also giving you a chance to let your imagination fly. The added bonus is that you'll fall back in love with reading!

8. You'll Genuinely Find Ways To Nourish Your Body.

Payton Butler/Dupe

Being a soft girl isn't just about looking good or reaching for fun things, it's also about nourishing your body with healthy meals. Sometimes we eat and drink things that our digestive system doesn't like, so I'm recommending that you make small changes to your meals.

You can create your own Mediterranean bowl à la Cava or aim to eat more fruits and veggies during the week. Whatever you choose, just remember to start small!

9. You May Even Adopt A Sober Lifestyle

Sivan Weitz/Dupe

Whether you know it or not, there's great joy in grabbing a non-alcoholic beverage with your bestie in the city. You can catch up about life, share your dreams or whatever's troubling you, and sip the greenest beverage that beats the idea of eating green eggs and ham. That's right — I'm talking about matcha.

Is it the pretty green hue we can't stop staring at or does it really taste that good? Let's compromise and say it's both!

10. Solo Activities Won't Feel Daunting

Thyra Morton/Dupe

You don't have to be the next Frida Kahlo to enjoy a paint class! I personally like to engage in coloring or painting because it helps me find something else to focus on. Though it seems simple, the art of having a fun hobby you're not trying to perfect or gain profit from sparks your inner kid's joy.

11. The Beach Will Actually Feel Relaxing For Once

Sash Gabriel/Dupe

You deserve a mini vacation that includes putting beach towel down on hot sand near the ocean so you can read your newest TBR pick. It's soothing feeling the sun on your skin while a gentle breeze blows which is why I recommend everyone try to experience it a few times per month.

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Feeling Stuck? Your Weekly Tarot Reading Calls For A "Fresh Start"

This week, your tarot reading has some seriously juicy insights to help us navigate the energy and make the most of the days ahead (whether you're catching this on April 21st, 2025, or whenever the universe intended!). What's so cool about energy is that it's totally timeless, so trust that this message landed in your lap exactly when you needed it.

This week, we've got a bit of a party happening in the cards, so let's dive right into what this deck — and spirit — wants us to know.

Scroll to see your weekly tarot reading for April 21-April 28, 2025!

Frances Naudé

The Spark & the Swift Kick: Knight of Swords & Ace of Swords

We're kicking things off with a dynamic duo: the Knight of Swords and the Ace of Swords. Now, if you've been tuning in the past few weeks, you know we've been swimming in some action-oriented energy, even if it sometimes felt like we were wading through molasses. With all planets direct right now, the cosmos is definitely in a forward-moving mood, and these cards are echoing that big time.

But hold up! Action doesn't mean you need to sprint a marathon right this second. Think of this week as more of a gentle nudge to start taking action. The Knight of Swords is all about forward movement and transformation (peep those butterflies!), and paired with the brand-spanking-new beginnings and opportunities of the Ace of Swords, it's like the starting gun has just fired.

If things have felt sluggish, this might be the cosmic permission slip to just begin. And if your calendar has been looking like a Tetris game on expert level (hello, spring!), this is a reminder to tap into that fast-moving energy in a way that truly serves you.

The Ace of Swords is whispering about a new story, a fresh way of writing your narrative. It might be a tangible new thing in your life, or it could be a brand-new way of showing up within your current reality. The Knight of Swords is urging us to embrace that transformation and just move. It's not necessarily about lightning speed, but about initiating that journey.

If you've felt like you had momentum and then hit a wall, don't let that undertow pull you back! Remember Dory? "Just keep swimming!" This week is about choosing that forward momentum, even if it feels like a little tough love from the universe. They're basically saying, "Sip that cosmic coffee and let's GO!" We don't want to miss out on this potent forward energy.

Your Action Plan:

  • Make Lists: If overwhelm is your jam right now, get it all out of your head and onto paper.
  • Set Reminders: Use the tangible world (like your phone!) to support your energetic intentions.
  • Just Start: Take it one step at a time. The Ace of Swords reminds us you're at the beginning, so baby steps are totally okay.

Frances Naudé

The Pause & the Push: Nine of Wands

Next up, we have the Nine of Wands. Now, this card can sometimes signal paralysis or feeling stuck. But the vibe this week is a little different. It's highlighting some deep-seated wounds getting triggered – maybe old failures creeping into your thoughts, fear of not succeeding, or anxiety about the path ahead. You might be feeling stuck because you're unsure how to navigate these feelings.

The guidance here is acceptance. If this resonates, take a moment to acknowledge those feelings: "I am afraid. I am unsure. I am overwhelmed." And then ask yourself: "Okay, but now what?"

The Nine of Wands also brings a bit of tough love. You have a choice: stay stuck in that discomfort, or take one step forward. It doesn't have to be a giant leap, just a single step. You deserve so much more than to let fear or anxiety win. We're in a season of transformation and forward movement, so choose that!

This applies to all areas of life – work, hobbies, relationships, and even your internal world. What energy do you want to cultivate daily? What small action can you take to start being in that space? It could be a mantra, a new morning routine, or breaking down a big goal into tiny, manageable steps.

Don't let past stories or stories others have written for you keep you stuck. Take back the pen and start writing your own narrative. It might feel big and scary, but remember that butterfly energy – transformation can be uncomfortable, but staying in the cocoon forever isn't an option. Let's be butterflies!

Your Action Plan:

  • Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel overwhelmed or afraid.
  • Take One Step: Even a small action breaks the stagnation.
  • Rewrite Your Story: Don't let past experiences define your future.

Frances Naudé

The Leap of Faith & the Turning Wheel: The Fool & Wheel of Fortune

Finally, we have a super hopeful duo: The Fool and the Wheel of Fortune. The Fool is all about new beginnings, taking a leap of faith, even if you don't see the landing just yet. It's that "woo, let's go!" energy, trusting that your "wings will appear" or you'll land safely.

Paired with the Wheel of Fortune, this is a resounding YES from the universe! Take the chance, spin the wheel, make the leap. It doesn't matter how it all unfolds right now, just go for it.

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that things are always turning. If you're in a tough spot, hope is on the horizon. If things are amazing right now, optimize it and enjoy the ride, knowing that phases shift. This isn't a bad thing – it's the natural rhythm of life.

The Fool is like the universe saying, "We've got you!" Even with uncertainty, trust that you are supported and guided. Bet on yourself! The Wheel of Fortune brings infinite possibility. The path might not be crystal clear yet, but you have to walk it to figure it out. Spin that wheel and see where it lands!

The final piece of guidance here is to be open to expansion in your goals. Maybe the end result will look slightly different than you initially imagined, and that's okay! Leave a little room for the universe to surprise you and make it even better than you thought possible.

Your Action Plan:

  • Take a Chance: What's a small leap of faith you can take this week?
  • Trust the Process: The universe has your back, even if the path is unclear.
  • Be Open to Possibility: Your dreams might unfold in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Ultimately, this week is brimming with hopeful and expansive energy. Yes, there might be fear and overwhelm, but the message is clear: just start. Whether it's a tiny shift in mindset or the first step towards a big dream, trust the journey. We're all in this together, and the universe is cheering us on! What a beautiful and hopeful energy to embrace.

Watch Your Full Tarot Reading Here!

Check back next week for your weekly tarot reading!

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The 8 Best War TV Shows To Stream Right Now — Including An Austin Butler Binge-Watch!

War TV shows have the unique ability to grip audiences in a way few other genres can. Whether they're fully based on true events or inspired by fiction, they don't just depict military strategy or the outcome of battles. Instead, these longer-format series immerse audiences in the grit, fear, chaos, and courage felt by those who lived through it.

It's this glimpse into the human experience that makes TV the perfect medium for exploring the deeper emotional and psychological impacts of war. So, here are the best war series ever aired on the small screen that really bring history to life.

Scroll to see all our favorite war TV shows you can stream right now!

Apple TV+

1. Masters of the Air

Released in 2024, Masters of the Air is a nine-part miniseries that chronicles the missions of the U.S. Army Air Forces' 100th Bomb Group amidst World War II. Adapted from Donald L. Miller's book and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series delves into the lives of the young bomber crews who risked everything in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe from 1942 to 1945.

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this show features standout performances by Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan.

Hulu

2. Catch-22

Catch-22 is a dark six-part limited series that reimagines Joseph Heller's classic novel for modern audiences. It's set during World War II and follows John Yossarian, who's part of a U.S. Bomber squadron and believes he's in danger due to his high volume of missions. So, he tries to use the Catch-22 rule and declare himself insane in order to escape combat.

This series, which came out in 2019, stars Christopher Abbott, as well as Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and George Clooney, who also served as co-director.

HBO

3. Band of Brothers

Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, HBO's Band of Brothers premiered in 2001 as a ten-part miniseries. It follows East Company, a unit of the 101st Airborne Division, from their grueling training at Camp Toccoa through D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and ultimately the fall of Nazi Germany.

Featuring impressive performances by Michael Cudlitz, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Scott Grimes, and many others, Band of Brothers went on to win multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film.

FX

4. Shōgun

While Shōgun isn't a traditional war series, it explores the political and cultural battles of 17th-century Japan. Adapted from James Clavell's novel, this TV show centers on three different characters: Lord Toranaga, a feudal lord dealing with rivalries; John Blackthorne, a stranded English sailor; and Lady Mariko, a torn noblewoman.

Released on Netflix in 2024, Shōgun had a budget that neared $250 million, so it features incredible production design.

HBO

5. The Pacific

The Pacific, which premiered in 2010, follows the real-life accounts of U.S. Marines Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone, taking viewers into some of World War II's bloodiest battles, from Guadalcanal to Peleliu and Okinawa.

Produced again by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this series doesn't try to romanticize war, showing the painful reality of fighting in the Pacific. The stellar acting, coupled with the use of advanced prosthetics and immersive visuals, makes it a visceral watch.

HBO

6. Generation Kill

Generation Kill centers on the early days of the Iraq War, based on Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright's reporting with the U.S. Marines. Airing in 2008 on HBO, this seven-part miniseries tracks the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the 2003 invasion, capturing the chaos, adrenaline, and dark humor that characterize modern combat.

Lee Tergesen stars as Evan, and other Generation Kill cast members include James Ransone, Alexander Skarsgård, and Billy Lush.

Max

7. Valley of Tears

Debuting in 2020, Valley of Tears is set during the Yom Kippur War of 1973 and follows a group of young Israeli soldiers caught off guard by a surprise attack from Egyptian and Syrian forces on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

The story is told over 10 tense and emotional episodes, combining large-scale combat scenes with more character-driven moments.

BBC

8. World on Fire

Last but not least is World on Fire, which takes a more interpersonal approach to depicting World War II. This show, which premiered in 2019, portrays the conflict unfolding through the eyes of ordinary people across various countries, including Britain, Poland, France, Germany, and the U.S.

It offers a very human look at how war disrupts lives way beyond the battlefield and features outstanding performances from Jonah Hauer-King, Lesley Manville, Sean Bean, and Mark Bonnar. The best part is that there are two seasons to binge.

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