MAN v FAT arrived in New York Metropolis in April, with the launch of its first three soccer leagues, as they joined our authentic group of males in Florida in receiving MAN v FAT’s help.
Main the way in which in Lengthy Island Metropolis is Karl Cereno, who was just lately appointed as Well being & Wellbeing Coach on the league to assist the blokes there. We caught up with him to seek out out extra.
Inform us a bit about you
Born and raised within the Philippines and now dwelling in Astoria, NY, I’ve spent the previous 10 years working as each a healthcare and health skilled. I’m obsessed with serving to individuals enhance their well being and high quality of life by means of train. Over time, I’ve labored with a variety of shoppers in every kind of settings – from main group bootcamps and on-line teaching packages to working one-on-one with everybody from aspiring athletes to weekend warriors to older adults trying to really feel like their youthful selves once more.
Aside from that, I’m a proud cat dad, a lover of horrible jokes, and a self-proclaimed flan connoisseur. I’m at all times up for assembly new individuals, making an attempt new issues, and sharing a number of laughs alongside the way in which.
What was it that made you need to become involved in MAN v FAT Soccer and help the lads in Lengthy Island Metropolis?
Rising up, I struggled with being obese, so I do know firsthand the challenges that include it – from confidence points to physique picture struggles and all the pieces in between. That is one thing that hits dwelling for me. What helped me flip issues round was crew sports activities. I used to be fortunate to have superb teammates who supported me, pushed me, and held me accountable.
As we grow old, discovering that form of help will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I need to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A crew the place we elevate one another up, preserve one another going, and make the journey enjoyable alongside the way in which.

The way you you describe your teaching and wellbeing type?
I’ve three fundamental areas of focus in terms of teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that angle is all the pieces. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur until somebody actually desires it — and that begins within the thoughts. My purpose is to assist shoppers reshape their relationship with their physique and with meals. It’s not about trying like a bodybuilder or an expert athlete. It’s about feeling snug in your personal pores and skin and celebrating what your physique can do. Meals isn’t one thing to concern or keep away from — it’s gasoline that helps us accomplish what we’re able to.
2. Meet individuals the place they’re.
Everybody learns in a different way, and a part of my job is determining what actually clicks with every shopper. Some individuals want a drill sergeant. Others want a teammate. Some want demonstrations. Others want to simply dive in and be taught by doing. My purpose is to ship the correct mix of steering, motivation, and help based mostly on what resonates finest for every particular person.
3. Make it enjoyable.
If it’s not enjoyable, it’s not sustainable. Progress will be powerful, but when we’re laughing, having fun with the journey, and celebrating wins (massive and small), it makes the exhausting work really feel quite a bit lighter – even when they don’t notice that’s by design.

What sort of neighborhood are you hoping to construct at MAN v FAT Lengthy Island Metropolis?
With out getting misplaced within the weeds, I really imagine there aren’t sufficient areas the place males can discover actual help. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re typically exhausting to seek out — particularly as we grow old. It turns into more durable to make new associates, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist once we want it.
Plenty of us grew up with the concept males need to be powerful, to deal with all the pieces alone. I need to break free from all of that. I need to construct an actual neighborhood — brothers supporting brothers. A spot the place you’ll be able to present up precisely as you’re, really feel snug reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make associates, share some laughs, and elevate one another up.
On the finish of the day, I’m not simply right here to teach. I’m right here to assist construct a brotherhood.
Past the apparent causes — enjoying sports activities, making new associates, and enhancing your well being — it additionally provides individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a crew the prospect to expertise it for the primary time. You get to follow collectively, put on a crew uniform, and be a part of one thing greater than your self. It’s greater than only a recreation — it’s an actual neighborhood.
Wish to be a part of Karl and the blokes at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You’ll be able to register as we speak at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!