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 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 search 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. Through the years, 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 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 at all times up for assembly new individuals, 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 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 the whole lot in between. That is one thing that hits dwelling for me. What helped me flip issues round was staff sports activities. I used to be fortunate to have superb teammates who supported me, pushed me, and held me accountable.
As we become older, discovering that sort of help will get more durable — and that’s precisely what I need to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A staff the place we elevate one another up, preserve 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 essential areas of focus on the subject of teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that perspective is the whole lot. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur except somebody really 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 wanting like a bodybuilder or an expert 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 individuals the place they’re.
Everybody learns otherwise, 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 simply dive in and be taught by doing. My purpose is to ship the right combination of steerage, motivation, and help primarily based on what resonates finest for every particular person.
3. Make it enjoyable.
If it’s not enjoyable, it’s not sustainable. Progress might be powerful, but when we’re laughing, having fun with the journey, and celebrating wins (large and small), it makes the exhausting 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 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 search out — particularly as we become older. It turns into harder to make new mates, discover new social circles, and even simply attain out for assist after we want it.
Lots of us grew up with the concept males need to be powerful, to deal with the whole lot alone. I need to break free from all of that. I need 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 comfy reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make mates, 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 plain causes — enjoying sports activities, making new mates, and bettering your well being — it additionally offers individuals who’ve by no means been a part of a staff the possibility to expertise it for the primary time. You get to follow collectively, put on a staff uniform, and be a part of one thing larger than your self. It’s greater than only a recreation — it’s an actual group.
Wish to be part of Karl and the blokes at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You’ll be able to register at the moment at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!