We recently connected with Elizabeth Skwiot and have shared our conversation below.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was a professional circus performer between earning my M.A. and Ph.D. While working as an adjunct professor, I became a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor to earn extra money. In client sessions I began blending exercises from my circus training into more traditional fitness and Pilates exercises. Clients loved the innovation and challenge. I then developed training programs and got them approved for continuing education. I knew I wanted to share the joy I found in circus training with everyone in a way that was safe, fun, effective, and accessible.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Though we have certainly gotten clients from our website, social media, and other marketing efforts, I find word of mouth referrals to be most effective. Asking clients to post reviews and even highlighting client successes can be helpful as well.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When the pandemic hit, we adapted both our workout and our training workshops to be delivered virtually. Now, in addition to getting educated in the studio version of Cirque-It Fitness (with options that don’t require sharing equipment), trainees also learn how to adapt exercises for an at-home version of our workout. This means that studios can keep classes going regardless of gym closures or capacity restrictions. We also offer online workshops, though we look forward to returning to on-ground workshops very soon!

Contact information:

• Instagram: @cirqueitfitness