Staff

Kristin has been teaching Zumba and Zumba Gold classes here at UD for the past 3 years. She also teaches Zumba at the Bear-Glasgow YMCA. Kristin is the Senior Associate Director of the UD Honors Program and proud Blue Hen alum!

I started exploring yoga in my 20’s in an attempt to ‘find myself.’ I tried several different styles of yoga and as many different teachers as I could. I found that each one offered a unique experience, but it was Vinyasa flow that spoke to me and I began to seek out teachers of that style.

Vinyasa flow is designed to build strength and flexibility.  On my mat I felt challenged and often humbled; off my mat I began to feel stronger and more confident – a lovely balance of strength and ease. In an effort to deepen my practice and understanding of yoga, I completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program guided by Yogi Susan Smith, founder of One-Yoga. Through the YTT program I gained so much more than teaching skills- I learned how to live consciously in the present moment- which I strive to do daily, through asana practice, meditation and breath awareness. In my classes, I encourage my students to greet their mat each day with an attitude of self-acceptance and gratitude. For it is in honoring our bodies that we can begin to see and embrace the unique gifts that this life has given us.

Gwen’s interest in yoga began as a pre-teen. She began seriously practicing as an adult, to complement marathon running and weight training, about 20 years ago.   After receiving a certification as a personal trainer in 1998 from ACE (American Council on Exercise), she took her first teacher training course primarily as continuing education for her certification in 2005 with Yogafit™, a vinyasa style of yoga, and began teaching yoga the following summer in a small studio in Redondo Beach, California.  She completed her 200 hour certification with Yogafit™ in December 2008 and completed 500 hours certification in 2013, having had over 1,000 hours of teaching as of 2010.

Yoga is Gwen’s passion.  She enjoys reading and sharing yoga history and philosophy.  For her, yoga is more than physical exercise but a spiritual journey.  She loves to share the spiritual dimension of the practice in her classes and invites students to participate in this deeper sense of what yoga truly is:  union, with one’s self, with every human being and with the Spirit that unites us all.

Serita has a Master’s in Public Policy and is a health professions advisor at the University of Delaware’s Center for Premedical and Health Profession Studies. Her interests include chronic disease and behavioral health, particularly nutrition consumption and physical activity. She teaches UD Cycle, BODYPUMP, Pilates, HIIT formats, Cardio Sport, and Kettlebell. She is also certified in TRX.

Polly Weir, who is also the director of conference and event services at UD, has been a fitness instructor for several decades.  She and her husband, Bob, owned Body Tech Fitness Center for over 10 years.  Polly currently teaches a variety of classes at the Paladin Club in Wilmington, including high intensity interval training, Tabata, circuit training and kick boxing.  Polly teaches Cardio Strength at UD.  This class combines the principles behind all of her other classes and it is tailored to accommodate all fitness levels.  When not working or teaching fitness classes, Polly enjoys yoga, hiking, running and volunteering for various causes.

“It seems impossible until it’s done” To me, exercise isn’t just about staying fit and healthy. It’s about building confidence and strength. There’s nothing more empowering than conquering a tough workout. The grueling final rep, the burning ache of that last mile – it’s what I live for! Together, you and I will push past the walls holding you back. You WILL accomplish your fitness goals – it’s all in the mindset! I will be there to help you along the way.

In my free time I like to lift weights, do yoga, go to the beach, go for bike rides, and play with my dog Brody! I also enjoy hanging out with friends, watching Netflix/random movies with my roommates, cooking, going on adventures, and reading!

Claire is a UD Senior majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Coaching Science and Strength and Conditioning. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a Cycling Fusion Certified Cycling instructor.

She is a dedicated athlete, avid runner and enjoys participating in 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, and triathlons. Claire looks forward to sharing her passion and motivating others to stay fit by working out and living a healthy lifestyle.