Mike hitting the heights in NYC


MAN v FAT Soccer headed to New York in April and the fellows there have excelled of their time on this system up to now, lately surpassing 1,000lbs misplaced throughout the 4 leagues.

They’ll quickly be joined by a fifth as MAN v FAT launches on Wall Road and, forward of that league getting underway, we caught up with Mike Mantin, who participates in our Crown Heights group.

The Crown Heights guys are about to come back to the top of their first season and Mike was eager to provide his perspective on life with MAN v FAT thus far!


There’s sporty individuals after which there’s me. I prevented gymnasium class as a child and most of my interactions with soccer concerned groaning at Everton video games each week. So becoming a member of MAN v FAT was a reasonably large leap.

Dwelling in London, I’d heard concerning the nice work they have been doing throughout the UK however by no means thought it was for me. Once I moved to NYC in search of bodily exercise and group, I realised this match the invoice and signed up.

Fortunately, all my nerves have been calmed as quickly as I walked into the primary session at Crown Heights. All the things was defined clearly and all of the individuals have been pleasant, welcoming and up for a problem. A gaggle of fellows all with their very own tales, united by the purpose to drop some pounds and get energetic.

Leaping again right into a recreation of soccer having not kicked a ball since I used to be about 14 was a shock to the system. Though I may barely really feel my legs afterwards, it was a fantastic feeling to get into it once more. The group could be very welcoming to all ability ranges (together with zero), so though I got here up in opposition to some skilful opponents, the enjoying subject was even.

The video games have been all the time nice enjoyable. Scoring a purpose or two, successful a defensive battle, even simply watching your health degree enhance – all have been extremely rewarding. I spent the primary few video games slumping onto the subs bench each jiffy, however by the ultimate session the place my group didn’t have sufficient gamers to make use of subs, I used to be match sufficient and decided sufficient to play a full recreation.

That journey from day one to the top of the season was all the time going to be a bumpy one. The good Coach Connie had loads of recommendation for us to maintain match, change dangerous habits, and maintain a powerful mentality. It’s the final one which turned out to be essentially the most difficult for me over the season.

Everybody’s acquired busy lives, worries and issues to take action simply displaying up week after week generally is a problem. Shedding on the pitch one week is one factor, however the actual low factors are robust to bounce again from.

One evening throughout a brutal NYC heatwave, I performed so poorly and located myself so exhausted that I questioned if I ought to trouble returning subsequent week. I did, and was met with a torrential downpour and a delayed bus schedule. It took lots to tug myself off the sofa and stick with it, however I’m extremely glad I did. Taking part in soccer each week has develop into a part of my routine and helps me be the healthiest I’ve been in years.

Reducing weight is an emotional enterprise by itself. There are ups and downs, each mentally and on the scales. Clocking in to see that quantity go up is a dejecting feeling, particularly if you happen to really feel you’ve been good to your physique the week earlier than. Being sort to your self and staying optimistic isn’t simple whenever you’re frustratedly observing a scale that gained’t appear to budge.

Nevertheless it’s necessary to recollect the variety of kilos misplaced isn’t all the things – I’m studying to rejoice the non-scale victories as effectively. Fortunately, all of the employees at MAN v FAT perceive all of this too, and make it clear that they’re proper behind you in your journey.

Our inaugural season has simply completed with a fantastic recreation, loads of high-fives and a good bit of weight misplaced on the best way. We’re going straight again into a brand new season able to put into follow what we’ve realized to the following degree. It’s going to be one other ten weeks of implausible wins, crushing defeats, shaved kilos and weeks the place nothing clicks into place. I’m prepared for no matter it throws at me.

Need to be part of Mike and his associates at Crown Heights?

You possibly can check out the small print for Crown Heights on our MAN v FAT Soccer web site. We’re at the moment in Florida, New York and Texas, with extra to come back sooner or later!

Stay Informed for Free!

Don’t miss out – Stay ahead with our daily updates!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *