That's Fit

Need help sticking to your diet and fitness goals? Shame might be just the thing that keeps you on track.

Give Stickk.com a click and your dreams might become reality. Here's how it works: You'll sign a contract to meet a goal -- losing weight, running a marathon, quitting smoking even. Then you choose a referee, maybe your spouse, a best friend, or a colleague who agrees to track your progress. It's possible to pick yourself as the ref but site statistics indicate this is only 30% effective. Next: Enter in the e-mail addresses of all your supporters (heck, include everyone in your e-mail address book) who will send encouraging messages your way. If your progress falters, the site automatically notifies everyone on your support list.

If public embarrassment is key for keeping you line, this is your site, which happens to have a few other motivating moves you can make. You can commit a sum of money that is either returned to you or donated to charity should you make good on your plans. Slip up and your money goes to an "anti-charity" -- the NRA perhaps, if guns are a no-no for you. Just the thought of that might keep you focused, right?

Sound crazy? Maybe not. About 78% of users who designate a referee and earmark money are successful. Give it a try and see what you think -- it's free. Well, unless you mess up and lose your own money.

It's a widely accepted belief that color affects mood. According to a recent German study, color can also affect the decisions referees make. The study found that tae kwon do competitors who wore red had the favor of the referees. Competitors who wore red were consistently awarded more points than competitors who wore blue, even when their performances were virtually identical. The lead author of the study, a psychologist at the University of Munster, suggests that color "triggers a psychological response in referees."

Other experts say that the study wasn't complete because it didn't take hue and brightness into consideration. In addition, some experts state that wearing red isn't always a positive for athletes. For example, soccer players who wear red may have more fouls called on them.

I don't know about this seeing-red thing. While red is certainly an eye-catching color, I'm not sure if I buy the fact that it makes that much difference in sports. Particularly in team sports, where an entire group is wearing red. To me, it has the distinct ring of the old cops-ticket-more-red-cars urban myth. What do you think?

A bunch of NCAA basketball coaches and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) declared war on cancer this past weekend by partnering with the American Cancer Society for Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide collaboration that empowers coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

The Coaches vs. Cancer concept, spearheaded in 1993, has led to programs such as basketball tournaments in November and Suits and Sneakers -- coaches nationwide were encouraged to wear sneakers with their suits while coaching this weekend to remind fans about eating right, exercising, and making healthy lifestyle choices. There are boutique shopping events in April, golf invitationals in June, and Referres vs. Cancer, a fundraising campaign that began this weekend and concludes with a presentation at the Final Four.

Thanks to the NABC and everyone who has helped since this program's inception to raise $40 million in direct revenue for the American Cancer Society's. Score!