Gina Puccinelli
(831) 578-5382, beyondyoga.me
We are a nation of stress monsters, but we don’t always need to be. Under the guidance of Gina Puccinelli, you can coordinate breathing (pranayama, in yoga speak), poses (asana, also in yoga speak) and intention (no clue what that is in yoga speak) to clear your mind, stretch your body and generally de-stress, even if only for your hour or so on the mat. Pucinelli teaches at various locations, including the Monterey Sports Center, Carmel Yoga Center and Carmel Valley Athletic Club. Bonus: She also teaches private clients, does private in-home movement therapy and offers “yogassage,” in which she combines yoga and massage (yes, she’s trained in that too) for the ultimate de-stressing experience. Double bonus: She has a therapy dog, Buddy Om, who accompanies her to senior centers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals to give residents and patients a little namaste-style unselfish love.