Ever since I wrote my post about my Apple Watch, I’ve been religiously wearing my Fitbit, and monitoring my activity. I’ve also rediscovered my competitive streak thanks to an 8-year old named Maria. I adore Maria, and when she challenged me to a maximum step challenge, I accepted, and was promptly handed a swift defeat.

Since then, I’ve been engaged in friendly competition with anyone who will ask, including my newest coworker Amanda (who I beat by a mere 200 steps in our workweek challenge). And along the way here’s what I’ve learned about the recommended 10,000 steps: It is NOT easy. In fact, if you don’t live in a major city (NYC, Chicago), or intentionally walk/run (including walking your dogs), it is practically IMPOSSIBLE to get 10,000 steps per day. If you’re in a desk job, it just isn’t going to happen. Our sedentary lifestyles and love of technology are slowly but surely killing us.

So what can you do to get your 10,000 steps in per day?

1. Get a dog. Ideally, rescue one, and then walk him/her every.single.day. If a dog doesn’t work with your lifestyle, volunteer at your local animal shelter. They always need help with dog walking, and its a good way to give back, get in your steps, and make a huge difference in a pup’s life without the full time responsibility

2. Take public transportation where possible: even if you live around the corner from public transportation (like I do), the simple act of not getting in your car will get you another 1500 steps a day

3. Meet friends for a walk (instead of drinks). Or better yet, go walk and then do drinks.

4. If you’re going out to lunch, pick a spot that is the furthest away (that can still get you back to work in a reasonable time)

5. And finally, if all else fails, just pace your bathroom while you brush your teeth to get your steps in. What? Stop judging. You would do it too if bragging rights were on the line.

This post originally appeared on Shibani’s blog Bombay Taxi on May 16, 2016.