October Athlete of the Month || Robert Heaivilin!!

Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.

Our 2024 October Athlete of the Month is Rob H! Also known as Scorpio, he has been putting in the work with us for a year and some change, but has fit into our community so well it fells like longer!  Scorpio has been consistent since the day he joined.  He’s such a hard worker in and outside the gym. Despite his very busy life, he manages to make it to the gym and always has a good attitude. He’s a delight to coach in every class! Coach Marco describes him as “a quiet beast you can’t miss with a huge booty” 😂  Congratulations Scorpio! So well deserved! Thank you for being part of our gym and setting an amazing example to our community!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Robert / Scorpio

Words to live by?

Same heart, but keep shooting to be better mentally, physically, emotionally.

What is your fitness background?

CrossFit, and swimming, that’s about it. I have never had much of a fitness background, besides trying to fit a whole large pizza in me in one sitting.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

10 years or so, and I will still scale farmer carry dumbbell box step overs every time. Let’s not ask about muscle ups or handstand walks either.

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I signed up for my first spartan race and I needed something to help me prepare. My first class was in Vegas and it was all body weight and kettle bells and light dumbbells. By the end of the class I wanted to puke, right then and there I knew CrossFit was for me, if it was going to make me push myself to that point.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The community. It’s what I missed the most when my last gym closed. It’s how I was able to meet some amazing people when I first moved to Austin. I found that here at CrossFit Austin as well. Great seeing everyone on tough days and pushing through a workout together and telling each other good job, and staying after on Thursdays here and there to enjoy a beer with everyone.

Not to mention the best coach, and friend, Coach Alien, who gave me my nickname and has been one of the most important people I’ve met here in Austin.
Always knowledgeable, makes class fun and always on point with music choice 🐱

Current Training Goals/PRs?

I’ve always tried to hit 500lbs on my deadlift so that’s been my goal for a few years

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Even 2.5lbs over your PR is still a PR. Don’t get down on yourself if you were only able to add 2.5lbs and not a big number jump. Be consistent and focus on breathing during the workouts.

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I don’t lol either one part is burning while the other isn’t lol but the world isn’t going to stop so I just keep showing up and grinding through it regardless.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Broooo give me a double pepperoni with pineapple pizza, Guinness, and some chocolate cake.

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I can still carry my 130lb 9 year old and my 35lb three year old at the same time. All I need them to know is I can still carry them while rough housing lol

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

Weight and body image issues. I’ve gone from 240lbs to 165lbs and back to 215lbs so I’ve gone through all the pant sizes while doing CrossFit and the only time I was happy with my size and weight was when I was happy mentally so focusing on the physical isn’t always what’s going to make you happy and I’ve learned through those challenges and how to handle the image issues.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

None come to mind but there’ve been some workouts where I’ve wanted to walk away from when we still have 5 rounds to go and it’s already been 5 rounds, so pushing through those workouts always makes me feel proud.

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

If we had a pool I would do 1500m freestyle swim, then 10 rounds of 6 deadlifts at 250lbs and 6 cals on the bike, and finish with a buyout of a 300m truck pull.

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

Knowing what I’ll feel like if I don’t go.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

Watching movies (Star Wars, and horror), traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

I was born up in Fort Hood, raised in Oahu, Hawaii and Vegas, until moving here in 2016.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

May the force be with you.