Start Here: Elevated Aerial's Welcome Packet
- Mindy Cochran
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- Sep 6, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Discover Your Strongest, Most Empowered Self!
Personal Welcome
Hi there! I’m Mindy Cochran, owner of Elevated Fitness. I hold certifications in group fitness, personal training, nutrition coaching, and life coaching. My life's purpose is to inspire others on the pathway to their best selves.
You are on the pathway to your best and most empowered self! Use the expandable bullets below to find out what happens next.💜
Our Story
Elevated Fitness began as blog dedicated to those on the quest for their best self. As the founder of Kalispell’s first aerial studio, I've always championed the transformative power of movement as a form of medicine. I believe movement is a key essential, along with a health-conscious diet and plentiful rest and restoration, to achieving your most empowered self.
After selling my first aerial studio in 2022, I realized the Flathead Valley still needed an aerial arts space rooted in growth, wellness, and community. So, in 2024, I launched Elevated Aerial, an aerial performance collective that united Flathead’s elite aerialists under one banner.
Then, in May 2025, we opened the Elevated Aerial Studio. Our vibrant studio now serves as a hub for our talented acrobats to share their expertise through extraordinary classes.
At Elevated Aerial, we live by the mantra: Fitness. Fun. Empowerment.
Whether you're here to build strength, try something new, connect with others, or simply enjoy the ride, we’ve got a place for you. No experience is required (we were beginners once, too). Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to soar!
Community & Culture
Elevated Aerial is a health-minded community focused on creating a culture of movement, training, healthy living, and fun! 🤸♀️💪🥦🎉
Here are just a few reasons why Elevated Aerial Studio stands out:
Expert Instructors: Our certified and professional teachers and trained in anatomy, progressive instruction, and aerial safety. They are also seasoned performers with years of experience in aerial silks, hoop, hammock, pole, and acrobatic movement.
Inclusive Space: We aim to make aerial fitness accessible to all ability levels. You don’t need to be strong or flexible to begin; you just need curiosity & a willingness to show up.
Holistic Fitness: At Elevated Aerial, movement is more than physical; it's transformational. Our classes are designed to build strength, improve mental clarity, boost mood, and reconnect you to your inner power.
New, safety-rated equipment: You can feel confident knowing you’re training on clean, modern equipment carefully chosen to support both safety and performance.
Unique pathway to progress to higher ceilings as students grow stronger and more confident, allowing for deeper exploration, bigger movements, and elevated goals.
Beginner's Checklist
What to Expect in a Class
Each class is a blend of instruction and movement, designed to help you build confidence and skill.
While the core focus is learning beginner-friendly aerial techniques, classes may also incorporate cardio, strength training, and stretching.
Here’s what that looks like for each apparatus:
Aerial Fabric: You might be working with either aerial hammock or aerial silks; both use the same fabric, but they’re rigged differently.
Hammock is looped at the bottom, giving beginners a supportive place to sit, stand, and rest as they explore new movements.
Silks, on the other hand, consist of two straight ribbons hanging freely. They’re a bit more physically demanding, but don’t worry! If you’re starting with silks, we tie a knot at the bottom to give you a secure standing base, just like a hammock. As you get stronger, we take the knot out.
→ Want to try fabric? Book a Class
Aerial Hoop: We start with simple, seated poses like Man in the Moon, Secretary, Faint, Birdie, and Side Star. For beginners, the hoops are hung low to the ground so you can safely and comfortably get the hang of it (pun intended)! These poses are beginner-friendly and accessible to most students on day one, so you’ll leave feeling strong and accomplished.
→ Feel inspired? Book an Aerial Hoop Class
Pole and Flying Pole: The Elevated Aerial Pole Fitness curriculum is developed by our certified and seasoned instructors to guide beginners from the very start of their pole dance journey. Participants begin with foundational techniques such as spins and pole holds, which help build strength, coordination, and body awareness. As students' progress, they develop the confidence and physical readiness to safely work toward inversions (going upside-down on the pole) with proper technique and support.
→ Start your pole journey: Book Now
If you’re worried about being a “slow learner,” please don’t be. In aerial, there’s no such thing. Everyone moves at their own pace, and every step forward is a win worth celebrating.
We know trying something new can feel nerve-wracking and that’s completely normal. Our hope is that this information will help ease those nerves and give you a clear, confident path toward an empowering self-care journey. 💜
→ Need more help choosing an apparatus? We have a blog post for you here.
FAQ's
Do I need to have upper body strength before starting? → Nope! You’re not expected to show up strong on day one. In fact, one of the most enjoyable parts of this journey is building strength through the classes themselves!
Will I be flexible enough? → You don’t need to be a contortionist to reap the benefits of being immersed in a culture of movement and healthy living. Many students start with limited range of motion; this is completely normal, and it’s something we’ll work on together.
Am I too old to start? → Absolutely not. I began learning acrobatics at 33 years young with no former experience in dance or gymnastics. Aerial is movement medicine for all ages! “You are not too old and it is not too late” is my personal mantra!
I'm thinking of signing up for a series, but I will be gone one of the weeks. Can I make it up? → Absolutely, we want to support your consistency. Each student is allowed one makeup per month-long series if requested within 24 hours. Just fill out the request form here.
Enrolling & What to Wear
Your aerial journey begins when you book a class here. Then, please complete our enrollment form before your first class so we can welcome you fully prepared.
Please let your instructor know if you have any metal allergies, injuries, or medical conditions we should be aware of.
If a class you want to join is full, simply email us and we’ll add you to the waitlist so you can grab the next open spot.
What to Wear & Bring
Most classes train barefoot to ground ourselves in the practice. Shoe cubbies are available to keep your belongings safe.
For comfort, safety, freedom of movement, and skin protection, we recommend:
For aerial and flying pole, a fitted shirt long enough to tuck in and ankle-length leggings.
For Pole Fitness, short shorts.
No zippers or jewelry or anything that could snag fabric or damage hoops or poles.
Before class:
Remove jewelry and watches
Wash hands and feet to keep our equipment fresh and clean
Bring water so you can stay hydrated while you shine! 💧
Our Instructors
At Elevated Aerial, you’re training with a team of unstoppable bad-asses.
Our founder built our core curriculum on a rock-solid foundation, with countless certifications including personal training, group fitness, aerial arts, and pole fitness.
Among our instructors, you’ll find a powerhouse mix of talent and grit:
Certified fitness professionals who crush goals on the ground and in the air
Pole competition winners who know what it takes to shine under pressure
Performers, models, and even an incredible vocalist (winner of 406 Voice)
A Native American chef and educator who brings depth and culture into our circle
Moms raising families (yep, including twins!) who prove balance is possible
Survivors and fighters who’ve faced Type 1 diabetes, cancer, epilepsy; and came back stronger
Our instructors embody resilience, artistry, and strength every single day. They slay goals outside of the studio just as much as inside, and they are excited to help you uncover your best self too.
Want to know more about us? → Visit our instructor bios page here.
Policies
Our Commitment to You
At Elevated Aerial, we rarely cancel classes. In fact, we pride ourselves on showing up for you. Except in the case of emergencies or severe weather, you can count on your class happening as scheduled.
If we ever do have to cancel, we’ll always make it right by giving you your choice of a refund, or credit back to your account.
Cancellation / Makeup Policy
Every class spot matters, and we’re grateful for your commitment.
Single Sessions: Cancel at least 12 hours in advance for a credit toward a future class. You can reschedule through our website - just make sure you are logged into the site and look under “My Bookings.” You’re also welcome to gift or transfer your single session to a friend if you can’t attend.
Series (Month-Long Aerial/Pole): Each student can receive one makeup per four-week series for a missed class. Makeup passes can be used for any other single session class or open studio within one month. To keep things running smoothly, makeups must be requested within 24 hours of the missed class via this Form. Once we receive the makeup request, we’ll add a pass to your account within 24 hours. From there, you can easily log in to our booking site and use your pass to schedule your makeup.
Interval Training Fitness Classes: To encourage consistency, we don't offer makeups for the interval training classes, but you are always welcome to gift your spot to a friend if you cannot attend.
Pricing Plans: Valid for six months from the date of purchase.
Open Studio Policy
Open Studio is a self-guided practice space where you can:
Build on what you’ve already learned
Move at your own pace
Reconnect with your strength and creativity
For safety, please join at least one instructor-led class before attending. Use only the equipment you’ve been trained on and celebrate the progress you’ve made!
Studio Usage/Safety
We’re here to lift each other up. Please:
Share space with mindfulness and respect
Ask permission before including others in photos or videos
Leave teaching to the instructors, though peer encouragement is always welcome
And above all: have fun and enjoy the magic of movement! 💜
Inspiration & Mantra
Fitness.
Fun.
Empowerment.
As you step into aerial arts, please know that we are here to help you embrace this path toward empowerment and self-discovery. Never hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Remember, every time you walk through our doors, you’re investing in you.
Classes can sell out quickly, so book early to secure your spot:
Thanks for being here, and we can’t wait to see you in the studio!💫
P.S. Need a PDF Version of this Welcome Guide? Click here.
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