Fit Things is a weekly wrap-up of fitness gear & beauty products that we use and love, or have heard good things about and would love to have. We focus on products that help take care of our bodies before, during and after a workout.

This week, Melissa of Fitness NYC is sharing her Fit Things with us. "When Tanya asked me to share the fit things I love, it took me a while to figure out what to pick. Then I realized that the things that are most important to me are the fitness items that make it the easiest to fit in a workout and to work out just about anywhere. Convenience is key to keeping fitness fun and possible for my schedule! So here's my list."

Portable storage ... items that make running out the door a cinch.
• Running is great because it requires almost no equipment or planning, but you still need to bring your keys. I love wrist band, amphipod and sneaker wallets because they let me stash the easily stash essential items, such as keys, metrocard, and a few emergency dollars.

• Fuel belts and race ready shorts are great for long runs, where you might also want to stash your phone, shot blocks and you iPod. When I bought my race ready shorts, they were all out of the regular shorts, so I had to get the spandex option, but you can get race ready shorts that are just like normal running shorts. These were one of my best purchases ever, despite being spandex.

• Dri-fit and light weight running clothes.
  Investing in just a few pieces of high quality running clothes can make a huge difference in your comfort level while training. I am not saying that I never work out in shorts with my alma mater plastered across the butt and one of the million free race t-shirts I've collected over the years, but I definitely find races and long runs more enjoyable in sport specific attire.

  I suggest at least one short and long sleeve high quality dri fit running top, a good winter running jacket and running tights for winter, and a pair of race ready shorts. My favorite purchases include my Hind Women's Running Shirt which is light as air, and my Nike cold-weather running jacket. A bonus is the high quality items have great features, like extra pockets and retractable hand warmers. (insert running tank pic)
  
  

• Running Watch that tracks distance and speed.
  Having a watch or Nike+ Ipod Sport Kit that tracks speed and distance can make running much more fun. I look forward to going out to see if I can beat my previous time and knowing my pace helps me stay focused and push myself. I am currently using the Garmin FR60, which is okay, not amazing, but any watch or item that lets you know your speed and distance can really improve your training and enthusiasm for running.

• Bosu ball and stability balls. These are my favorite gym items because they do so many things and they are so effective. Squats, crunches, reverse crunches, push ups, stretching, you can do a million varieties of any of those exercises and the instability of the balls makes each exercise so much more effective than the standard version. Plus, they are fun to use.

• Quick Clean Up Stuff. In order to get in a decent lunch hour or pre-happy hour workout, I have found several items that make a quick gym shower/clean up quick and convenient. I mean, I don't have the luxury of carrying a stocked gym bag in my car, so I go for small, light items I can easily carry in my bag. A few favorites include: expandable wash clothes, perfect for cleaning up in a pinch; pre-moistened or water activated face cleansing cloths or wipes (store one or two in a zip lock); trial size shampoos and soaps and deodorant; all in one travel make up kits

• Finally, a great playlist that makes me excited to work out just so I get to listen to it!