Turning kicks as an exercise is a perfect way to develop better balance, a strong core, some limb speed and better posture. The position of this when compared to the fighting style turning kick, is very static but all the major muscle groups of the lower body are involved in its execution. You can use it lightly, as a warm up or you can do it fast for speed or you can do it slow-ish and long for stamina or you can do it fast for as long as you can for power, speed, strength and stamina. How you use it is up to you. 

What's involved: Quads, glutes, hamstrings, side hip flexors, lateral abs, core, lower back, calves, cardiovascular system, aerobic performance (VO2 max) if you keep at it. 

Powered by: Quads, side hip flexors, lower abs, hamstrings. 

Tip: To help maintain your balance as you switch from one leg to the other change the position of your arms so that the arm that's on the side of the kicking leg is extended, almost parallel to the kicking leg and the other one is brought inside the circumference of the body, held almost at the height of your chin.