Meet Joyce

My ultimate goal is to “move you in the right direction” so that life’s opportunities are within reach. Recognizing and re-educating inefficient and dysfunctional movement and breathing patterns are key to improving your physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. Because our bodies adapt to exactly what we do and don’t do, addressing lifestyle habits such as sleep, relaxation and nutrition will further support your efforts of living a life with purpose and having fun while doing it.

A Lifelong Love Affair with Movement

My love affair with movement started as a child — having a Mom who is a physical education teacher will do that to you. Growing up with asthma never prevented me from pursuing an active lifestyle or playing sports. At age 13 the leather girth, which keeps a saddle in place, broke mid-canter and sent me flying off my horse crashing to the ground and the saddle landed on top of me. My mom made me (literally) get back in the saddle, on the horse. My first experience with lower back spasms occurred while playing high school basketball. Eventually, it all caught up with me. It wasn’t until age 28 that an x-ray revealed a spondylolisthesis, a fracture and slippage in the lumbar region of the spine. These early experiences influenced my desire to seek out alternative methods for healing and caring for my body – Z-Health, Buteyko, RockTape to name a few.

I created affirmative fitness in 1995. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience with clients, you won’t find many trainers with both the breadth and depth of experience. I have a commitment to myself and my clients to provide a holistic approach to supporting our overall health and performance goals.

Professional Credentials

Z-Health® Master Trainer (R,I,S,T,9S certifications)
Buteyko Clinic International Certified Instructor
RockTape® Functional Movement Techniques Certified (Basic and Performance)
Registered Dietitian since 1991
US Squash Level 1 Certified Coach
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
NASM Integrated Flexibility Specialist
ACSM Health Fitness Specialist
Kettlebell Certified Instructor
Clinical Dietitian for 6 years in Boston area hospitals
Adjunct faculty Simmons College, 2001-2003
Boston University, 1990: MS in Nutrition
Anna Maria College, 1987: BA in Biology, Division III basketball

Athletic Background

Beyond high school and college sports, I have continued my passion for movement. I ran and trained with Greater Boston Track Club for 8 years and completed the Boston Marathon in 1998 and 2004, the Marine Corps Marathon 2005 and 2008, 7 half-marathons and sprinted on the indoor track. For countless years, I combined fundraising and cycling with the Jagerdog team to support Multiple Sclerosis through participation in the Cape Cod Getaway and the Vineyard Tour.

I became an avid squash player in 2009, competing with Boston area women’s and co-ed leagues, and have played in the National Howe Cup Tournament since 2010. I continue to love to run and cruise around on my bike, and have added tennis to my list of fun activities.