Problem #5: I always get sidetracked. Sometimes we get going for a while and then something — a hubby on a business trip, a sick child or unexpected houseguests — gets us off track.

Solution. The single best way to keep up an exercise habit is to get rid of the all-or-none mindset. Many of us are guilty of thinking that a workout has to be a certain activity or length of time. The truth is, small amounts of exercise can be extremely valuable, both for our health, and also in establishing the habit. Remind yourself that more may be better than less, but some is better than none. When you don't have time for a full routine, a shorter one will do-plus it's essential for fostering consistency. So think of consistency first and content second. It'll keep exercise built into your lifestyle.

Here's a similar situation you can certainly relate to: The family has to eat dinner, right? Is it an option not to serve dinner? Do you announce that everyone will go to bed hungry? Of course not. So what do you do when you don't have time to cook? You order take-out, reheat leftovers or have cereal, right? Exercise is the same way. When you have a fitness-conscious lifestyle, you don't always do the perfect routine, just like you don't always cook the perfect meal. But you do something — and that something keeps the habit going.

Get more exercise ideas in our 6-Week Family Fitness Program, 20-Minute Park Workout and Stretch article.