Meet Bailey McCarvel Plympton: Aerial Extraordinaire, Epilepsy Warrior, Mother of Twins

Bailey has been training with me since September of 2017, and I invited her to begin teaching at the studio I owned in 2019. She found me in what she describes as a “particularly difficult year in her life,” just after her Epilepsy diagnosis. Bailey is a talented aerialist on all aerial apparatuses, as well as a pole artist; and carries the titles of 1st place duet (with doubles partner Kerris Morgan) and 3rd place soloist in Montana's first ever pole competition hosted by the Fox Club Cabaret.

Bailey at Herb & Omni. Photo by Emily Mohler.

She says “I had fears of never being ‘strong enough’ for most of my life, and it kept me from participating in any type of strength training or exercise. From the first day I found Mindy and her aerial community, I was immersed in a community of individuals from all walks of life with many stories of overcoming difficulties, all while supporting and inspiring each other. I immediately felt so empowered. There was no shame or judgment; only acceptance and encouragement.” Bailey used her aerial practice to improve her strength and health, and she talks now of how it helped her take control and show Epilepsy “who the real boss is.”

As if training aerials while battling Epilepsy isn’t inspiring enough in of itself, Bailey trained at the studio until she was seven months pregnant with twins. She welcomed healthy babies Hudson and Iyla into the world in April 2020. After taking a year off with her newborns, Bailey to made her return to teaching in March 2021, and started as a performer for Elevated Aerial as soon as our talented team began to take shape in 2024.

Bailey at the 1st Annual Pinup Pageant / Fundraiser. Photo by LISU Media.

As the mother of twins, Bailey acknowledges how hard it can be to make time for self-care and a fitness practice. She says “I will always remember the saying about not being able to pour from an empty cup. This is especially true with tackling life with twins. Even though I want to give every ounce of my energy and time to them, I have to be very careful to make time for myself mentally, physically, in all aspects. Making sure to have this time to myself ensures that I have a “full cup,” to pour from, for my family and community. Choosing and creating a healthy and active lifestyle for myself ensures that for my twins as well.” When asked if she had anything else she wanted our readers to know, she said “I fully believe that if I can do aerials, anyone can. I will be forever grateful for the incredible aerial community that Mindy founded; and I will continuously strive to empower and support others in the community, as Mindy empowered me.”

Bailey poses for Montana Woman Magazine. Photo by JMK Photography

To connect with Bailey on Instagram, reach out here: Bailey Plympton on Instagram

To take a class with Bailey, look for her offerings here.

Mindy and Bailey prepare for a show.

Article by Mindy Cochran. Mindy is a practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, and aerial hoop; as well as a health columnist for Montana Woman Magazine. Her column shares expertise for elevating health & wellness which she has acquired through her certifications as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and life coach. To connect with Mindy on Instagram, please visit: www.instagram.com/aerial.mindy; or visit her Linktree here.