Doris “Hoppy” Barrowclough of Scotts Valley has taken jazzercise fitness classes religiously for 26 years. The self-described fitness fanatic just celebrated her 89th birthday.
“I thoroughly believe in exercise,” Barrowclough said. “I really enjoy it. I’ve slowed down, but I keep moving, and that’s what’s important.”
Jazzercise is a total-body workout that caters to all fitness levels. An hourlong class consists of aerobic dance-based movement, strength training and stretching.
“I really like it, because it’s always different,” Barrowclough said. “The format changes every five weeks.”
The spry octogenarian said fitness is the secret to her energy. Before jazzercise, Barrowclough golfed and worked out with her husband, who was a U.S. Air Force pilot.
“I’ve always been active,” she said.
But Barrowclough said that while the exercise keeps her youthful, her favorite part of jazzercise is the camaraderie. The week of her 89th birthday, the class threw her a celebration with a cake and sang to her.
Barrowclough said the gesture warmed her heart.
“It was so great,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of nice friends though it.”
Chris Chiechi, Barrowclough’s instructor of 15 years, said she is an inspiration to the fitness community.
“I love having her in my classes,” Chiechi said.
Chiechi teaches and runs about 66 classes in Santa Cruz County, including the class Barrowclough attends at Felton Community Hall three times a week.
“Sometimes, people will call me and ask if they are too old to take my class,” Chiechi said. “And I always ask, ‘Well, are you over 89?’”
