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Liformers are a bunch of dedicated, joyful go-getters who inspire us daily with their creativity, honesty, and love of yoga. Our "Meet the Liformer" series gives you the chance to get to know them a little better, find out how they practice, and catch their enthusiasm.
Gizem Cercioglu Schimming is a Yoga & Pilates instructor, fitness and wellness creator, and international retreat leader originally from Turkey and now based in Florida.
She has appeared in Women’s Health Turkey, including as a cover model, has led wellness retreats internationally, and today teaches both in person in Florida and online while sharing movement and wellness with her international social media community.
Through her classes, retreats, and content, her message is simple: take care of yourself, stay curious, keep moving, and never believe it is too late to change your story.
Where are you from/where do you live?
I’m originally from Turkey, and I now live in Florida, USA. Turkey will always be a big part of who I am, but Florida has become home and has brought a different rhythm into my life—more nature, sunshine, water, and a little slower living.
How did yoga come into your life?
Movement has always been part of my life. I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger, but my professional life actually began very differently—I graduated from Boğaziçi University and worked as an English teacher for ten years.
Later, I started Pilates simply for myself, for my own health and well-being. I became fascinated by how movement could change not only the body, but also the way you feel. Pilates eventually became my profession, and my curiosity naturally led me to yoga. I completed my 280-hour yoga training with Yogakioo by Çetin Çetintaş, continued learning through workshops with teachers from around the world, later trained in AcroVinyasa in Bali, and completed my RYT 500 in the United States. What began as curiosity became a completely new chapter of my life.
When did you realize you were hooked on yoga?
When I realized I was no longer practicing just to achieve a pose. I loved the physical challenge at first, but somewhere along the way yoga became a place where I could explore, play, breathe, and come back to myself. That was when I knew it was going to stay with me.
Why do you practice?
Because movement changes my energy. I practice to stay strong and mobile, of course, but also because it keeps me curious and connected to myself. Some days my practice is powerful and challenging; other days it is simply stretching, breathing, and listening to what my body needs.
I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything. It’s about knowing where your energy needs to go.
Why do you teach?
Because I know what movement gave me, and I want other people to experience that feeling.
I didn’t begin this career very young. I changed direction later in life, and that taught me something important: we are always capable of discovering a new version of ourselves. Teaching allows me to help people become stronger and more confident in their bodies, but also to show them that movement doesn’t have to be punishment. It can be something you genuinely love.
Tell us about your yoga community.
My community has grown far beyond one studio or even one country. I started teaching in Turkey, have led wellness and yoga retreats, and today I teach in Florida as well as online. Social media has also connected me with people from many different countries.
What I love most is that some people may first find me because of a pose or a movement video, but eventually we connect through something much bigger—the desire to keep moving, learning, and taking care of ourselves.
What’s your favourite yoga pose? Why?
Standing split.
I love the combination of strength, flexibility, balance, and freedom in it. It never feels completely static—there is always somewhere to explore. It also photographs beautifully, which the content creator in me definitely appreciates!
What’s your motto?
“It’s never too late to change your story.”
I lived that myself. I had an established career and life before I decided to follow a completely different passion. I think we sometimes put imaginary deadlines on ourselves. There really isn’t one.
What are you reading?
I recently finished The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and I’ve just started The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. I love getting lost in a good story whenever I have the time.
What’s in your smoothie?
Protein, berries, a little banana, and whatever else I feel like adding that day. I like keeping it simple—I want it to taste good and actually be something I look forward to drinking.
You’ve decided to cash in your frequent flier miles. Where are you heading?
Somewhere that gives me both adventure and peace—Bali would always tempt me back. I did my AcroVinyasa training there, so it has a special connection to my yoga journey. Give me beautiful nature, water, movement, good food, and a little adventure and I’m happy.
At the airport, you realize you’ve forgotten the most crucial thing. What is it?
My phone! Not very yogic, perhaps—but between boarding passes, family, work, photos, and content, I’m being realistic. 😂
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don’t think I could have predicted this life! But I was always active, curious, and interested in people. Looking back, the pieces make sense now—competitive swimming gave me movement, studying literature gave me a love for stories and communication, and eventually those different parts of me came together in what I do today.
What’s your favourite Liforme Mat?
My favorite is the Dragon Red Liforme Yoga Mat. There is something about that mat that feels different to me—the color, the design, and especially the energy it gives me when I step onto it. Red has such a strong, powerful energy, and combined with the dragon, it makes my practice feel even more alive. Of course, I love the grip and alignment system that Liforme is known for, but with my red Dragon mat, there is also an emotional connection. Its energy just feels different to me.
Aside from yoga, what do you love to do?
Pilates is definitely my favorite workout aside from yoga, but what I love most is spending time with my family, traveling, and hiking. I love being outdoors, discovering new places, and experiencing different cultures together with the people I love.
I also love bringing people together through retreats. There is something very special about creating a space where people can travel, move, connect, laugh, and share experiences together. Some of my favorite memories have come from those moments.
Ask yourself one question.
What would you tell someone who thinks it’s too late to start over?
Now answer it.
Start anyway.
There is no perfect age or perfect moment to change direction. Curiosity can take you somewhere completely unexpected if you allow yourself to follow it. You don’t have to become a different person overnight. Just be willing to begin.
