EXSP helps our clients of all ages understand the importance of how the body works, how to improve it and how to transform it into the most dominate force on the planet. Let us teach you what you can do to help enhance your body each and every day.
EXSP was started in 2002 with the goal of helping our clients achieve athletic success. Our main focus has been helping athletes unleash their potential through speed, strength, power, mobility and stability training. Helping numerous athletes reach success at the college and professional level, EXSP expanded to its current location in 2004. The main motivation of training with EXSP is for our athletes (clients) to understand their own body and how to break through all obstacles they are presented with.Â
With our expanded location, EXSP can service more clients/teams with an outside turf field, indoor turf running area and many other tools needed to help our clients unleash their potential. One of the major differences with EXSP over other facilities is that EXSP uses very few machines. We instead focus the training to mimic the environment experienced in your respective sport or activity. EXSP continues to help hundreds of athletes unleash their potential on and off the field which will always be a major point of emphasis for every program developed.
OUR TEAM
Dave Brixius, B.S., C.S.C.S.
Founder, Explosive Sports Performance
Dave Brixius, the owner of Explosive Sports Performance, is a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High in Harrisburg, PA. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in strength and conditioning. He is also certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Dave specializes in designing and implementing individual and team work out programs focusing on explosion, speed, strength, power, endurance and injury prevention. Â In addition to helping athletes improve their physical skills, he also works on the mental side of training to help athletes improve their mental toughness and work towards the goal of becoming the best individual they can be on and off the competition field.
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 & 2014. Dave also trains the Messiah men and women soccer teams, helping the men win the National title 2008, 09, 10, 12, 13 and women 2008, 09, 11, 12. 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 Explosive Sports Performance, you not only become a member of the gym but you become a member of the EXSP family. Dave’s passion in helping athletes and teams become unstoppable, and his solid foundation of how the human body works, will have your athletic abilities skyrocket to the next level. Dave’s rare and exclusive style of training will push you past your limits and leave you craving for more.
One of Dave’s many strengths lie in helping athletes overcome pain and injury as fast as possible. He focuses his attention on three main things to keep the body healthy and strong. Mobility, stability and being symmetrical are keys to all athletes being able to reach their full potential. He also has a passion for combine training in football and baseball. Helping athletes improve their 40 and 60 time, shuttle run, broad jump, med ball toss.

Ashley Brixius
Executive Director of Female Sports Training & Conditioning
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.

Chris Palmer
Head Coach, EXSP

T.J. Elliott
Coach
T.J. is pursuing a BS in Geospatial Technology at Harrisburg University, as well as a NASM Certification in Personal Training. He ran track and field for Central Dauphin East High School and University of Connecticut. Now, T.J. trains to run for fun, unattached (recreational). His vision serves to coach up as many young athletes as possible, on and off the field!

Richard Gary
Coach
Before his time at Penn State Harrisburg, Richie completed his freshman year of college at The Ohio State University and was on track to major in Sports Management. He is a graduate of Red Land High School, located in Lewisberry, PA. Growing up he was always active and involved in different sports. Richie played baseball, soccer, and basketball but spent most of his time focusing on baseball. In his free time he enjoys going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and listening to music.

Lisa M. Kelly
Coach
Lisa is a graduate of Red Land High School where she participated in basketball (point guard) as well as cross country and track and field (long distance runner and long jumper). When time permitted she also participated in intramural volleyball.
Lisa received her BS in Professional Development from Duquesne University. She recently found her passion and completed her small group training certification through ACE and is studying to get her personal training certification as well. With a passion for teaching children, Lisa enjoys working with special needs and helping all children improve and become successful in anyway possible.
Lisa joined our EXSP team in 2018 and enjoys continued learning in physical fitness and helping every athlete succeed.