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 assist.
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 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 residing in Astoria, NY, I’ve spent the previous 10 years working as each a healthcare and health skilled. I’m keen about serving to folks enhance their well being and high quality of life by way 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 trying to really feel like their youthful selves once more.
Apart 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 folks, making an attempt new issues, and sharing a couple of laughs alongside the best way.
What was it that made you need to get entangled in MAN v FAT Soccer and assist the lads 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 the whole lot in between. That is one thing that hits residence for me. What helped me flip issues round was workforce 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 sort of assist will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I need to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A workforce the place we carry one another up, maintain one another going, and make the journey enjoyable alongside the best way.

The way you you describe your teaching and wellbeing fashion?
I’ve three predominant areas of focus with regards to teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that angle is the whole lot. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur except somebody actually needs it — and that begins within the thoughts. My purpose is to assist purchasers reshape their relationship with their physique and with meals. It’s not about wanting 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 gas 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 only dive in and be taught by doing. My purpose is to ship the right combination of steerage, motivation, and assist primarily based 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 (large and small), it makes the laborious work really feel rather a lot 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 consider there aren’t sufficient areas the place males can discover actual assist. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re typically laborious to seek out — particularly as we become old. It turns into harder to make new associates, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist once we want it.
Loads of us grew up with the concept males should be robust, to deal with the whole lot 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 may 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 carry 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 bettering your well being — it additionally provides individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a workforce the prospect to expertise it for the primary time. You get to apply collectively, put on a workforce uniform, and be a part of one thing larger than your self. It’s greater than only a sport — it’s an actual neighborhood.
Wish to be a part of Karl and the fellows at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You may register in the present day at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!
