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.

Being extremely overweight can present some obstacles when it comes to working out, but it shouldn't take you out of the race completely. Starting with low-impact activities -- such as light resistance training using weights or exercise bands ... or even soup cans, for that matter -- is just one way to start burning calories without any significant risk of injury.

But what about weight loss? While it is true that resistance training will help you burn calories and shed pounds, the weight will drop off much faster when it is alternated or combined with cardio sessions. Well, unless your doctor strictly forbids you from engaging in cardio workouts, then perhaps he or she will be amenable to you performing a low to medium intensity cardio workout at least three times per week.

If you ultimately end up getting the OK from your doc, here are some extra safety measures you can take:

• Don't starve yourself. Heavier people tend to burn calories more quickly than skinny people, so you do not want to deny yourself the fuel you need to complete your workouts.
• Drink plenty of water. Bigger people tend to sweat quite a bit, which means that they are losing plenty of water. Be sure to replenish that lost water and then-some.
• Instead of buying a fancy pair of sneakers that come with everything from an iPod attachment to a sun roof and drivetrain warranty, opt for a pair that is more designed for comfort and durability than style.
• Keep your underarms, inner thighs, and even your nipples lubed with Vaseline or sports lubes like Bodyglide (strange, I know, but it will prevent some serious chaffing from happening).

For even more diet and exercise tips, check out our sister site AOL Body.

Source