MAN v FAT arrived in New York Metropolis in April, with the launch of its first three soccer leagues, as they joined our unique group of males in Florida in receiving MAN v FAT’s help.
Main the best way in Lengthy Island Metropolis is Karl Cereno, who was 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 residing in Astoria, NY, I’ve spent the previous 10 years working as each a healthcare and health skilled. I’m captivated with serving to individuals enhance their well being and high quality of life by way of train. Over time, I’ve labored with a variety of purchasers in every kind of settings – from main group bootcamps and on-line teaching applications 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 just a few laughs alongside the best way.
What was it that made you wish 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 every thing 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 wonderful teammates who supported me, pushed me, and held me accountable.
As we become old, discovering that form of help will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I wish to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A crew the place we raise one another up, hold one another going, and make the journey enjoyable alongside the best way.

The way you you describe your teaching and wellbeing type?
I’ve three essential areas of focus in the case of teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that angle is every thing. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur except somebody really needs it — and that begins within the thoughts. My objective is to assist purchasers reshape their relationship with their physique and with meals. It’s not about wanting like a bodybuilder or an expert athlete. It’s about feeling snug in your individual pores and skin and celebrating what your physique can do. Meals isn’t one thing to concern or keep away from — it’s gas that helps us accomplish what we’re able to.
2. Meet individuals the place they’re.
Everybody learns in another way, and a part of my job is determining what actually clicks with every consumer. Some individuals want a drill sergeant. Others want a teammate. Some want demonstrations. Others want to only dive in and be taught by doing. My objective is to ship the correct mix of steerage, motivation, and help based mostly on what resonates greatest for every particular person.
3. Make it enjoyable.
If it’s not enjoyable, it’s not sustainable. Progress could be robust, but when we’re laughing, having fun with the journey, and celebrating wins (huge and small), it makes the onerous work really feel so much lighter – even when they don’t understand that’s by design.

What sort of group are you hoping to construct at MAN v FAT Lengthy Island Metropolis?
With out getting misplaced within the weeds, I actually consider there aren’t sufficient areas the place males can discover actual help. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re usually onerous to seek out — particularly as we become old. It turns into harder to make new pals, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist once we want it.
A whole lot of us grew up with the concept males need to be robust, to deal with every thing alone. I wish to break free from all of that. I wish to construct an actual group — brothers supporting brothers. A spot the place you’ll be able to present up precisely as you might be, really feel snug reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make pals, share some laughs, and raise 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 plain causes — enjoying sports activities, making new pals, and bettering your well being — it additionally offers individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a crew the prospect to expertise it for the primary time. You get to apply 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 group.
Need to be part of Karl and the blokes at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You’ll be able to register at this time at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!