Though 2014 has just begun, some may already be struggling with their New Year’s resolutions. This is not the case, however, for those who participated in Commitment Day 2014. Held in 35 cities nationwide, this second annual 5K hosted by Life Time Fitness and its partners, seeks to promote a change in fitness, diet, and nutrition in the new year.

Commitment Day was first celebrated in 2012, when Life Time Fitness’ CEO Bahram Akradi was inspired to create the event after reviewing statistics from 2011 about the American health crisis. Appalled by the amount that Americans spent on healthcare, Akradi decided the best way to keep people out of doctor’s offices was to encourage them to change the way they approached their health. What resulted was a 5K event that focuses on this change as opposed to winning the race.

“People are already thinking about what goals they want for the new year, but they tend to fail because the word ‘resolution’ is synonymous with failure,” Life Time employee Lauren Flinn said. “We think that ‘commitment’ is a heavier word. People are starting a promise [with] themselves in a unique way, making it more permanent and lasting.”

Piggybacking on the growing popularity of 5K races thoroughout the country, this year’s events were successful at attracting all kinds of people.

“Though 5Ks can be intimidating to some, the point of the Commitment Day race isn’t to get the best time or to win, but to finish the race, and to cement a commitment to change,” she said.

In this way, though each of the 35 events was unique to the city that hosted it, all fostered the common goal. Event participants were asked to sign a board with their commitment.

“It can be anything—eating better, working out more, cutting back on sweets—any small change that will help them live healthier,” Flinn said.

Participants were asked to continually share their experiences through social media as well, utilizing #mycommitment or #commitmentday tags.

The inaugural Commitment Day drew in 40,000 people. This year, the events attracted even larger crowds, which was of additional importance because of a survey conducted by Life Time Fitness prior to January 1. The survey demonstrated the public’s new-found focus on health, with an impressive 75 percent of 1,400 individuals surveyed saying their biggest goal for 2014 is to live a healthier lifestyle.

Life Time Fitness continues to support these efforts through their website and social media. Check out the video below to get inspired and make a commitment yourself.

Image and video courtesy Life Time Fitness, Inc. (Lauren Flinn)