You know it's important to stay active but still find yourself falling back on old habits. What can you do? Planning for exercise isn't hard if you make it a priority.

Here are some guidelines that can help you make the right choice when shopping for gear.

You can't walk across a room without huffing and puffing. Your arms get tired unpacking a bag of groceries. You're carrying more and more excess body weight. And you can't remember the last time you got any real exercise.

Like your signature, the exercise routine you prefer is individual. If you’re outgoing, for example, working out in a group situation could be what keeps you coming back for more. A more reserved person, however, might do better exercising solo.

Your exercise time can depend on everything from your work schedule to when your kids get up or go to bed.

Some excuses—I weigh too much, I'm too old, I have too many health problems—are in themselves strong arguments for increasing physical activity.

First decide how you can make exercise a priority. One idea: Put your workout on the calendar just like any other appointment.

For many of us, getting regular exercise is challenging enough. But it can be even tougher when you've taken off a month or more.

To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.

It is always important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have certain health conditions.