Peyton Royal is an ACE-certified group fitness instructor teaching classes exclusively at Equinox, where he serves as the Sr. Manager of Group Fitness Content + Education.

Born in Salisbury, MD, Peyton grew up competing in gymnastics and dance before attending Oklahoma City University majoring in dance performance. Upon graduation, Peyton performed on Broadway, directed/choreographed shows regionally, and taught on the university level.

After transitioning from his theatre career, Peyton discovered a passion for teaching group fitness. A friend brought him to Kristi Molinaro's 30/60/90 class at Equinox and it sparked something within him that guided his path for the future. Finally, something that combined his athletism, rhythmic movement, and love for teaching! After one class, Peyton commited to the teacher-training course, got his group fitness certification, and auditioned for Equinox.

In the years that followed, Peyton trained to teach several Equinox Signature Formats as well as launched new dance-based formats. Once the pandemic hit and New York went into lockdown, fitness classes moved online and Peyton created several original formats of his own.

When not in the gym, Peyton loves to bake desserts, avidly follows politics, and served as the president of his alumni organization. He lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with his director/teacher/performer/photographer husband Billy and their sweet schnoodle puppy, Kino.