Movement is at the heart of our health, but one must still know how to master it. During the Hypersanté Paris 2026 event, we met Marie-José Beaufreton, a passionate physiotherapist. Far from the clichés of pure performance, she shares her vision of protective physical activity based on self-awareness and prevention.
An expert’s journey through the body
Before teaching movement, Marie-José first healed. Her expertise is built on a deep understanding of anatomy and pathologies, which gives her approach to Pilates a unique therapeutic dimension.
Sogevity: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Marie-José Beaufreton: I am Marie-José Beaufreton, a physiotherapist. Throughout my career, I have trained in Pilates, yoga for pregnant women, as well as manual therapies. I’ve had the chance to practice in various regions of France and Switzerland, which allowed me to observe very diverse lifestyles. One conclusion became obvious to me, and it’s no surprise: physical activity is the key factor for longevity.
From rehabilitation to active prevention
Moving from curative care to prevention is a logical step for a physiotherapist concerned with “aging well.” This is how her project dedicated to low-impact sports was born.
Sogevity: How did your project around Pilates and longevity come to life?
M-J. B.: As a physio, I am naturally a fan of gentle sports that protect the body. When I discovered Pilates, I immediately knew I would be able to offer it to as many people as possible. Regardless of age, it is a practicable method, and my role has become one of strengthening gently and functionally. Acting in prevention thus takes on its full meaning through Pilates classes, where I explain the importance of good posture, among other things.
The philosophy of self-correction
For Marie-José, well-being does not come from the outside, but from a fine-tuned listening to one’s own sensations. This is the principle of self-mastery.
Sogevity: What is the philosophy that connects your practice and aging well?
M-J. B.: The philosophy of Pilates and aging well is understanding your body to better master it. What I mean by that is the ability to analyze your body and be able to self-correct. When you acquire this awareness, good postures become natural; thus the body is balanced and free.
The forgotten key: mobility through stretching
While strengthening is often highlighted, another essential dimension of physical health too often remains in the shadows: flexibility.
Sogevity: What is, in your opinion, the often-forgotten key to aging well?
M-J. B.: From my point of view, I notice that stretching is rarely practiced, or even neglected. Yet, it allows for maintaining mobility, preventing musculo-tendinous pathologies (one of the main reasons for physiotherapy prescriptions), and regulating the nervous system for relaxation purposes. Stretching is both preventive and releasing, helping to reduce the stress accumulated in the body.
An inclusive approach for all ages
It is never too early, nor ever too late to start. Marie-José addresses young professionals as well as less athletic individuals.
Sogevity: Who is your work for, and what impact are you looking to have?
M-J. B.: My work is for everyone. I often hear young people say they don’t need stretching because they don’t have pain, but that is precisely the time to preserve that capital. My work also addresses people who describe themselves as “non-athletic.” Stretching is not a competitive sport but a physical activity that maintains the body and stimulates circulation. Secondly, I teach Pilates exercises that can be done without weights, to show that sport is not synonymous with “suffering.”
Horizon: toward a space dedicated to well-being
The next stage of Marie-José’s project involves creating a space for sharing and serenity.
Sogevity: What are your upcoming projects?
M-J. B.: I wish to open an individual stretching center where stretching becomes a moment of relaxation for the body and mind. A place where movement is both gentle and powerful, through collective Pilates and stretching sessions.
Longevity advice
Sogevity: If you had to give just one piece of advice to improve longevity, what would it be?
M-J. B.: Listen, feel your body, and stretch it! The body needs movement.
Movement as a way of life
Through the expertise of Marie-José Beaufreton, we understand that longevity does not lie in intensity, but in the accuracy and regularity of movement. By putting body awareness and stretching back at the heart of our daily lives, we do more than just prevent pain: we relearn how to inhabit our bodies with fluidity.
Whether one is a young professional or a senior, this passionate physiotherapist’s approach invites us to transform physical activity into a true moment of reconnection with ourselves, proving that gentleness is undoubtedly our best ally for moving through the years with vitality.
Continue exploring longevity
Explore this longevity topic
