Back-to-Studio Season: Prepping for Fall Aerial Classes

It’s hard to believe, but the last month of summer is already here! ☀️🍉🏖️

At Elevated Aerial, we know how important it is to maintain a balance between training and play. It’s totally okay to take a lighter fitness or training schedule during the summer — after all, rest and fun are essential, too. But don’t hit pause completely. Staying connected, even in small ways, will make it so much easier to return strong and confident when fall classes roll around.

Whether you’re brand new to aerial or a seasoned flyer, we’re here to help you feel strong, supported, and empowered every step of the way. So, forgive us if our answer to almost everything is: get in the studio.

Because here’s the truth — when you keep showing up, that’s when the magic happens. ✨

August's Mantra:

"No challenge, no change."

I promised to do a photo series in this month's blog: Nine Easy, Photo-worthy Poses

At Elevated Aerial, we believe that every level of aerialist deserves a moment in the spotlight — and on camera! You don’t need to be busting out your most advanced drops to capture an impressive shot. Often, it's the foundational, clean, and well-aligned shapes that photograph best. These poses allow for grace, expression, and solid lines — plus they’re easier to hold while your photographer captures the perfect angle. So as promised, here’s our photo series:

Nine Easy, Photo-Worthy Poses 

Whether you're looking to refresh your Instagram, document your progress, or simply celebrate your strength and creativity, these poses are great go-to's. (listed left to right, top to bottom):

1. Amazon on Hoop

2. Angel on Hammock

3. Delilah on Hoop

4. Peter Pan on Hoop

5. Flying Dutchman on Hammock

6. Ballerina on Silks

7. Splits in Double Foot Locks on Silks (*This one is only "easy" if you have your splits, though)

8. Secretary on Hoop

9. Gazelle on Hammock

Things We Are Excited About

❤️Recap of Faery Festival🧚‍♀️:

We coordinated twenty incredible performers for the Flathead Faery Festival July 26/27. For me, my hands were raw from endless equipment swaps, my inner thighs were bruised from flying pole laybacks, and my hamstrings were exhausted from stiltwalking and running around all day. I am exhausted… but I am still on a high from this. ✨Faerie Fest was an unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone who came out and shared in the wonder with us. I hope we get to do it again next year because bringing this art to life for all of you was beyond incredible. 💜

Here are some photo highlights:

❤️Looking ahead to Picnic in the Park:

Picnic in the Park is a beloved summer tradition in Kalispell, Montana, brought to you by Kalispell Parks and Recreation. This year, we're excited to announce Elevated Aerial has been invited for a special, one-time-only choreographed performance!

🗓 Wednesday, August 13th

🕐 Music by Deidre Corson 12-12:45 PM, Aerial Acts 12:45-1:30 PM

📍 Downtown Kalispell's Depot Park

Bring your picnic blanket, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the breathtaking artistry of Elevated Aerial. This is a can't-miss highlight of the summer!

❤️Stiltwalking Series:

Our stilt walkers have brought wonder and excitement to music festivals, parties, galas, and parades all across Montana — and now it’s your turn to rise above! This August, we’re thrilled to be training in our new stilt walkers with a stilt walking series!

We’re especially excited about this series because we’ve seen the transformation firsthand: that first nervous wobble (safely supported on the ground and guided by professional stilt walker Bailey P, shown.) quickly becomes confident, graceful strides. It’s more than just learning to walk on stilts — it’s about stepping into a whole new version of yourself. Every time someone climbs up and stands tall, they’re not just gaining a new skill — they’re stepping into an elevated mindset. Unfortunately, this series (8 pm on Wednesdays) is sold out, but if you want to be added to the waitlist, please reach out!

I can’t thank you enough for reading this article and being a part of our community. The fact that you’ve chosen to be here—whether for wellness, professionalism, community, or empowerment—means everything. We may still be “new,” but the energy, purpose, and gratitude in this space feel deeply rooted already.

In just three months, this studio has grown incredibly—once again, we have a space to move, to express, and to connect in ways that feel meaningful. It’s not just a place to train; it’s a place to grow.

After eight years of running my first studio, I burned out and stepped away—thinking I might be done for good. But during that two-year sabbatical, I realized something important: Flathead still needed a dedicated space for growth and wellness. That realization brought me back, and it reconnected me with the reason why I do this work.

Aerial isn’t just a workout—it’s a practice in presence, resilience, and self-discovery. We’re not just building strength here; we’re designing our lives with intention, organization, and heart.

If you haven’t made it in for a class yet, now is the time to discover what it feels like to train in an empowering, health-minded community:

👉 www.elevatedfitnessmt.com/book

Here’s to building something bold, empowering, and real — together.

XOXO, ~Mindy

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Me, Mindy, with doubles partner Larissa Fischer from Picnic in the Park circa 2015. Photo Cred: Bryan Moore / D.S. Lighting

Mindy Cochran is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop. With certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach, she combines her passion for aerial arts with holistic health expertise to help others elevate their wellness. Mindy is also a former health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine, where she shared insights on healthy living and balanced lifestyles. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.