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76 || MOST FITNESS || JUNE / JULY 2016www.uprisewellness.com/uprise-storyPhoto: Marc Royce Photography www.marcroyce.comCo-founder of UpRise Classical Pilates and Wellness CenterFor Pilates and acupuncture expert and instructor, Sheena Jongeneel, the answer is a resounding yes! A dancer her whole life until she experienced a knee injury that resulted in her studying Pilates as a form of rehabilitation, Sheena found that to be the start of what would be a long and prosperous career. Holding a B.A. in dance, she decided to further her health and fitness education by moving to New York and becoming certified in the Pilates Method. It was there that she had the opportunity to study under master teacher, Romana Kryzanowska, sole heir to the Pilates Method and complete her 600 hours of apprenticeship with her as well. In addition to Pilates, Sheena became interested in acupuncture as a supplement to Pilates for curing all kinds of physical ailments and injuries, and decided to become a licensed acupuncturist. A California girl at heart, and armed with her two areas of expertise, Sheena found her true calling by opening a studio in Los Angeles where Pilates and acupuncture co-exist harmoniously, helping clients rehabilitate, rejuvenate, or just plain workout and feel better than they did before. UpRise Studio (www.uprisewellness.com) adheres to Classical Pilates, and is completely unique in that it was the only studio to integrate the Tower. This contraption consists of springs, Pilates mat work, and resistance bars, and is a method that is designed to sculpt the entire body. With both Pilates and acupuncture in the same building, Sheena%u2019s studio is a trailblazer in the world of rehabilitation and working and strengthening the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person. Sheena believes wholeheartedly in the body mind connection, telling MOST Fitness during her interview, %u201cThe body and mind connection is exhilarating for me and calms my mind and life. It is my meditation.MFM: What kind of dance were you doing when you injured your knee?SJ: I was getting a degree in Dance at Cal State Fullerton when I injured my knee. My specialty was modern dance, although I grew up doing everything By Darcy Tharp