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 assist.
Main the best way 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 residing 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 train. Over time, I’ve labored with a variety of shoppers 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.
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 individuals, making an attempt new issues, and sharing a number of laughs alongside the best way.
What was it that made you wish to get entangled in MAN v FAT Soccer and assist 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 all the things in between. That is one thing that hits residence for me. What helped me flip issues round was staff sports activities. I used to be fortunate to have wonderful teammates who supported me, pushed me, and held me accountable.
As we grow old, discovering that form of assist will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I wish to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A staff the place we raise 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 type?
I’ve three predominant areas of focus in relation to teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that angle is all the things. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur until somebody actually needs it — and that begins within the thoughts. My aim is to assist shoppers reshape their relationship with their physique and with meals. It’s not about trying like a bodybuilder or knowledgeable 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 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 aim is to ship the right combination of steerage, motivation, and assist based mostly on what resonates finest for every individual.
3. Make it enjoyable.
If it’s not enjoyable, it’s not sustainable. Progress could be powerful, but when we’re laughing, having fun with the journey, and celebrating wins (huge and small), it makes the exhausting work really feel quite a bit lighter – even when they don’t understand 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 actually imagine there aren’t sufficient areas the place males can discover actual assist. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re usually exhausting to seek out — particularly as we grow old. It turns into harder to make new buddies, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist after we want it.
A number of us grew up with the concept that males need to be powerful, to deal with all the things alone. I wish to break free from all of that. I wish to construct an actual neighborhood — brothers supporting brothers. A spot the place you may present up precisely as you might be, really feel snug reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make buddies, 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 apparent causes — taking part in sports activities, making new buddies, and bettering your well being — it additionally provides individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a staff the possibility to expertise it for the primary time. You get to apply collectively, put on a staff uniform, and be a part of one thing greater than your self. It’s greater than only a sport — it’s an actual neighborhood.
Wish to be part of Karl and the blokes at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You may register immediately at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!