From Barre to Beats: 305 Fitness Transforms Walnut Street Space Into Dance Cardio Haven

The NYC-based dance cardio brand has converted the former Physique57 space into a colorful fitness playground—complete with live DJs at every class.

If you’ve been walking down Walnut Street lately and noticed all that bright pink neon, we have news—305 Fitness has officially opened in Rittenhouse! AND it’s bringing something genuinely different to Rittenhouse’s thriving fitness scene.

*305 Fitness at 1623 Walnut Street, bringing live DJ dance cardio to Rittenhouse’s thriving fitness options.*

The NYC-based workout that’s been packing studios since 2012 has softly opened at 1623 Walnut Street, taking over the former Physique57 space. Where Physique57 focused on precise, ballet-inspired barre movements, 305 Fitness is all about letting loose and moving however feels good. And yes, we said live DJs—as in, actual DJs spinning at every single class while you sweat.

*305 Fitness occupies the second floor at 1623 Walnut Street, right in the heart of Rittenhouse’s shopping district.*

The Pink-Carpeted Journey Upstairs

But first, you have to make it to the studio—the address reads Walnut Street BUT it’s on Moravian, the alley BEHIND Walnut. So, kind of like a speakeasy.

*The entrance is via the alley right behind Walnut.*

And then, you have to make it to the studio—and honestly, the climb is half the fun.

*The rainbow-striped staircase and tropical leaf wallpaper give you a preview of the vibrant experience waiting upstairs*

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope staircase with rainbow-striped steps that practically demand a selfie (and we’re pretty sure that’s the point). Pink walls and tropical leaf wallpaper line your ascent—imagine if Barbie designed a treehouse, but make it cardio. It’s giving Willy Wonka meets SoulCycle, and we’re here for it.

At the top of the stairs, the theme continues in full force.

*The pink terrazzo reception desk and bold ‘305’ wall lettering set the tone for this Instagram-worthy fitness experience.*

The reception area features a stunning pink terrazzo desk—yes, terrazzo!—with a built-in mini fridge stocked with recovery drinks.

Where Nightclub Meets Cardio

The real magic happens in the main studio, and this is where 305 Fitness reveals what makes it different from every other workout option in Rittenhouse.

*The main studio space with purple lighting and wall-to-wall mirrors where the dance cardio magic happens.*

The workout space is bathed in purple lighting with mirrors covering every wall—creating an immersive environment that feels more like a nightclub than a fitness studio. And that’s entirely the point. Founded by Sadie Kurzban in 2012, 305 Fitness built its reputation around the idea that working out should feel like the best part of your weekend, not a chore you dread.

So… about those live DJs.

*The professional DJ booth and organized equipment storage show how 305 Fitness combines nightclub energy with serious cardio workouts.*

Every single class features a live DJ spinning everything from hip-hop to house to throwback pop hits. This isn’t a playlist on shuffle—it’s a curated musical experience designed to keep your energy up for the entire 50-minute session. The professional DJ setup is positioned right in the studio, with organized storage for dumbbells, resistance bands, and other equipment seamlessly integrated into the design. It’s like Flashdance but with better lighting and way more endorphins.

Making Sweat Sexy (Their Words, Not Ours)

The workout itself combines cardio intervals with strength training and dance moves—but don’t worry if you’ve got two left feet. The whole philosophy centers around moving your body in ways that feel good, not executing perfect choreography. It’s about the joy of movement, not technical precision (thank goodness, because some of us STILL haven’t mastered the Macarena—promise, we tried!)

*Iridescent bubble lights hang from tropical wallpaper above the ‘Make Sweat Sexy’ neon—305’s motto in action.*

Iridescent bubble lights dangle from more tropical wallpaper above a neon sign reading “Make Sweat Sexy”—which pretty much sums up the 305 Fitness mission in three words. Kurzban has been vocal about creating a judgment-free zone where fitness becomes celebration rather than punishment, and every design element reinforces that message.

*The pink neon ‘GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS’ sign reflects 305 Fitness’s empowering, inclusive community vibe.*

The community aspect runs deep here. A bright pink neon “GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS” sign pays homage to the supportive, empowering atmosphere that’s become synonymous with the 305 brand. While people of all genders are welcome (and encouraged!), the studio has built a dedicated following among those looking for a fitness experience that prioritizes empowerment over intimidation.

Take the Vibe Home

And if you want to rep the brand beyond the studio…

*305 Fitness branded sports bras, tees, and sweatshirts let you rep the brand beyond the studio.*

The retail area stocks 305 Fitness branded gear including sports bras, tees, and sweatshirts in the signature pink and black color scheme. It’s activewear, but make it fashion—perfect for anyone who wants to show off their new favorite workout spot around the neighborhood.

A Different Kind of Fitness Energy

305 Fitness brings a different energy to Walnut Street, focusing on dance cardio with live DJs rather than cycling, bootcamp-style training, or barre. It’s less about perfecting your form and more about perfecting your mood—and in a city that loves to dance almost as much as it loves to have opinions about cheesesteaks, a workout that combines both feels like an interesting fit.

Classes can be booked through the 305 Fitness app or website, and the studio is offering introductory packages for new members. And, who knows? Maybe “dance party disguised as cardio” is exactly what your workout routine has been missing.

📍1623 Walnut St | 🔗 305 Fitness Philly | 🅾 Insta