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 fellows 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 folks enhance their well being and high quality of life by means of train. Through the years, I’ve labored with a variety of purchasers in all types 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 seeking 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 all the time up for assembly new folks, making an attempt new issues, and sharing just a few laughs alongside the way in which.
What was it that made you wish to get entangled in MAN v FAT Soccer and help the boys in Lengthy Island Metropolis?
Rising up, I struggled with being chubby, so I do know firsthand the challenges that include it – from confidence points to physique picture struggles and every part in between. That is one thing that hits dwelling for me. What helped me flip issues round was group 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 type of help will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I wish to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A group the place we raise 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 model?
I’ve three most important areas of focus on the subject of teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that angle is every part. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur until somebody really desires 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 trying like a bodybuilder or knowledgeable athlete. It’s about feeling comfy in your individual pores and skin and celebrating what your physique can do. Meals isn’t one thing to worry or keep away from — it’s gasoline that helps us accomplish what we’re able to.
2. Meet folks the place they’re.
Everybody learns otherwise, and a part of my job is determining what actually clicks with every consumer. Some folks want a drill sergeant. Others want a teammate. Some want demonstrations. Others want to simply dive in and be taught by doing. My objective is to ship the right combination 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 could be robust, but when we’re laughing, having fun with the journey, and celebrating wins (huge and small), it makes the laborious work really feel so much lighter – even when they don’t notice 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 really consider there aren’t sufficient areas the place males can discover actual help. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re usually laborious to seek out — particularly as we become old. It turns into more durable to make new associates, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist after we want it.
Quite a lot of us grew up with the concept males must be robust, to deal with every part 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’re, really feel comfy reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make associates, share some laughs, and raise one another up.
On the finish of the day, I’m not simply right here to educate. I’m right here to assist construct a brotherhood.
Past the plain causes — taking part in sports activities, making new associates, and enhancing your well being — it additionally provides individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a group the possibility to expertise it for the primary time. You get to observe collectively, put on a group uniform, and be a part of one thing greater than your self. It’s greater than only a recreation — it’s an actual group.
Wish to be part of Karl and the fellows at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You may register right this moment at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!