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 is a seasoned sports performance coach with over two decades of experience in the fitness industry. She holds certifications through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Precision Nutrition, has a degree in Fitness and Nutrition, and is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an extensive background in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and women’s health.

She also holds numerous certifications across multiple training disciplines, including barre, Pilates, TRX, and cycle, among others.

Since 2003, Ashley has worked with hundreds of athletes and adults, helping them improve performance, build strength, lose body fat, and develop sustainable nutrition habits. Her unique combination of sports performance training, rehabilitation expertise, women’s health knowledge, and nutrition coaching allows her to create customized, results-driven programs tailored to each client’s goals and abilities.

Known for her energetic personality and positive coaching style, Ashley creates an environment where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered from day one. She is passionate about innovative, forward-thinking training methods and regularly attends national conferences to stay at the forefront of fitness, performance, and nutrition. Her mission is to transform both body and mindset—delivering fun, effective, and challenging programs that keep clients motivated and coming back for more.

Noah Kane is an exercise physiologist and graduated from Central Dauphin High School in 2016. Noah holds a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from the American Military University (2021) and his Masters in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh(2023). Noah is a certified exercise physiologist with an extensive background working with patients from all walks of life and specialized rehab/training with cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, special needs, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and more.

Noah has been passionate about helping anyone and everyone since an early age as he deals with a connective tissue disease called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which has led to over 40 surgeries and counting. He knows what it’s like to be the patient and that has made him very compassionate and empathetic always willing to go above and beyond to help you reach your goals whatever they are and give 110% towards helping you be the best you can be.

James is from the area having graduated in 2017 from York Catholic having played soccer and basketball growing up his entire life. James obtained both his Bachelors in Exercise Science and Masters in Sports Performance while studying at Lebanon Valley College. James has been working with Dave Brixius and Explosive Sports Performance the last three years heading up various programs for individuals and teams. 

 His passions surround helping everyone reach their potential. From young athletes just getting into fitness to adults looking to stay fit and active to improve their overall longevity. Having been involved in sports he found his passion through previous injuries that helping others come back from their injuries and become stronger versions of themselves was his calling.