If the word "friction" causes you to cringe, I feel your pain. Really. Friction is a wildly unpleasant problem for many of us, and can be serious enough to keep people from exercising. I know I've cut a run or two short because of the pain it caused. And you know what? While friction definitely affects those who are overweight, being fit doesn't exactly make you immune.

Lots of women tend to experience friction in a few places. The thighs, for one -- even when I'm at my "fighting weight," my thighs are large and muscular, and they rub. So, any run over two miles or so, without an anti-friction product (more on that in a moment), is sheer hell. Additionally, you might feel friction under your arms as they swing against your tee, tank or sports bra. Of course, you can also experience friction from your shoes -- what do you think causes blisters?

And then, there's the friction nobody likes to talk about -- the nipple chafe (What? You didn't really think you were the only one with that problem, did you?). As your breasts swing to and fro, the sensitive skin on your nipples rubs against your sports bra (especially if you get "running headlights"). Hey, Ryan Reynolds wasn't afraid of getting bloody nips in the New York Marathon for no reason!

Fortunately, there are a variety of products on the market designed to alleviate these friction problems.

• BodyGlide -- This balm is my personal favorite. It looks like a deodorant stick, goes on easily, doesn't feel gross and has serious lasting power. Plus, the company offers a variety of versions (including one with SPF 25 and one designed to warm your muscles and offer light pain relief).
• Mission Skincare High Performance Anti-Friction Cream -- Mission has some high-quality skincare products that are designed with athletes in mind, and their Anti-Friction Cream is actually good for your skin. So, not only are you avoiding chafing, but also, you're improving your skin.
• Anti Monkey Butt Powder -- Hands down, this gets the prize for most hilarious name. According to the website, it's "ideal for butt busting activities such as ... bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing."
  
• Lamisilk Cream to Powder -- You might already be familiar with Lamisil for its anti-fungal products. Well, this particular product is designed for your feet to prevent blisters from friction.

Do you have an anti-friction product you love? Please tell us all about it in the comments!