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 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 fellows 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 enthusiastic 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 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 folks, attempting new issues, and sharing just a few laughs alongside the best way.
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 obese, 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 house 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 tougher — and that’s precisely what I wish to assist construct right here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A staff the place we elevate one another up, hold 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 on the subject of teaching:
1. All of it begins with mindset.
I’m a agency believer that perspective is all the things. Actual, lasting change doesn’t occur until somebody really 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 trying like a bodybuilder or knowledgeable athlete. It’s about feeling comfy in your personal pores and skin and celebrating what your physique can do. Meals isn’t one thing to concern 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 in another way, and a part of my job is determining what actually clicks with every shopper. 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 purpose is to ship the right combination of steering, motivation, and help primarily based on what resonates greatest for every individual.
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 laborious work really feel lots 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 help. Or in the event that they do exist, they’re usually laborious to search out — particularly as we become older. It turns into harder to make new buddies, 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 that males must 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 possibly can present up precisely as you’re, really feel comfy reaching out, and know you’re not alone. An area to make buddies, 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 — 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 prospect 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.
Need to be part of Karl and the fellows at Lengthy Island Metropolis? You possibly can register at the moment at our MAN v FAT Soccer web site!