our team

Doctor Joseph F Thomas is a local primary care physician in the Harrisburg and Hummelstown area specializing in general primary care. Originally relocating back to his hometown in 2016 at the completion of his medical school training. He joined UPMC until recently going into private practice primary care in 2023 at “Dr J. Thomas Family Practice PLLC.” Aside from promoting the principles of preventive care, the interest to merge health prevention with fitness promotion is what let to the creation of “Rx Health & Fitness LLC.

As a health enthusiast from the early days of pop warner football, Dr Thomas recognized the importance of taking care of “one’s temple” through exercise, nutrition, rest, and adaption. This interest led to a degree in Kinesiology at University of Maryland that laid the foundation for human kinetics. During his collegiate years he managed to complete his Certified strength and conditioning specialist certificate, personal train at two gyms in the Silver Spring area, and finally general manage during his final year of school. All the while preparing his body to walk on to the basketball team at the completion of college.

After undergrad, he transitioned back to Pa to pursue a secondary degree in Biology, and MS in Psychology at Shippensburg University. Then, in 2011 he entered into medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his dual medical and MBA degree at St Joe’s University. It then became apparent that through his educational training, sports involvement, and prevention approach to patient care to provide patients’ with life changing experiences that go beyond the pharmacies, physical therapy, and operating rooms.

In 2023 Dr Thomas and Dave Brixius, owner of Explosive Sports Performance came together with the purpose of providing exercise prescription Rx to patient’s through the principles of Exercise Physiology. Both have received college level degrees in Exercise Science and together have over 23 years of knowledge and expertise to be applied to the everyday individual to meet their personal health goals. “Rx Health and Fitness” set to take off in 2025 will bring together physician guidance merged with the principles of exercise physiology to bring about true optimal health and fitness promotion.

“We welcome you to an experience will change your life and perspective forever!”

Dave has served as the trainer for the Harrisburg Heat and the Harrisburg City Islanders helping them win the USL-2 championship in 2007 and runner-ups in 2011 and 2014.  Dave also trains the Messiah men and women’s soccer teams, helping the men win the National title 2008, 09, 10, 12, 13, 17 and women’s 2008, 09, 11, 12, 19 Dave also serves as the Big 33 (football) and Big 26 (baseball) speed consultant.  Dave has also helped numerous other individuals reach the professional ranks in their sport, as well as many others receiving full athletic scholarships to college.

From the moment you sign up at Prescription Health and fitness you not only become a member of the gym but you become a member of the  family. Dave’s passion in helping people overcome their limitations, pain, and injuries to become the best version of themself. He also has a solid foundation of how the human body works, and how it heals the way God intended it to heal. Dave’s rare and exclusive style of training will push you past your limits and leave you craving for more.

He is also the founder of the Earthstrong program, a program geared at helping individuals improve their (Spiritual, Mental and Physical) well-being. Which are needed to have complete healing.

Ashley Brixius, the Executive Director of Female Sports Training and Conditioning, is certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), has a degree in fitness and nutrition, and is a licensed physical therapist assistant with an extensive background in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. She is also a certified BootyBarre instructor as well as Pilates instructor. Ashley has been teaching group fitness classes and providing personal training services since 2003.

 Ashley’s charismatic personality and positive attitude will help make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the doors. She will customize a program suited to fit your needs. The wide variety of classes, personal training, small group training and home exercise programs offered through EXSP will ensure you meet your fitness goals. Ashley is passionate about “out of the box” training, utilizing new and innovative new ways to exercise. She travels to conferences all over the country several times each year to keep her workouts fresh and exercises cutting edge. Her goal is to transform your body and mind while creating a fun yet challenging workout that will leave you invigorated and excited to come back for more.