Why Core Power = Kick Power (And Why Pilates Makes Your Roundhouse Strong AF)

elva wu
May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 4

Hey Flyers!

Let me tell you something—there’s no magic to a perfect roundhouse kick. It’s all about core power, and trust me, Pilates will take your kicks to a whole new level.

You’ve probably heard me talk about it in class, but I want to break it down for you. If you’ve ever wondered how Pilates can benefit your kickboxing routine (or vice versa!), this blog is for you!

Kickboxing + Pilates = The Power Duo

Kickboxing is all about strength, precision, and balance. To throw that perfect roundhouse, you need a rock-solid core. Without it, your kick might look great, but it won’t have that impact you’re after.

Here’s where Pilates comes in. Unlike traditional ab exercises, Pilates focuses on controlled movements and activating deeper muscles, which helps build functional core strength that translates directly into every kick, punch, and pivot.

How Pilates Builds Your Kick Power

Pilates isn’t just about sculpting those abs (although we’ll take that too!). It’s about mind-muscle connection and learning to engage your body with precision—kind of like how you focus when you’re preparing to throw that roundhouse kick. Let me give you a few reasons why Pilates is the secret weapon for better kicks:

Deep Core ActivationIn Pilates, we target the deeper layers of your core, including the muscles around your spine and pelvis. This means you’ll have more control over your kicks and punches, keeping your movements stable and effective.
Flexibility + AgilityPilates stretches and strengthens simultaneously, which helps with flexibility and mobility—two key factors for smooth, powerful kicks. Plus, the flexibility Pilates gives you in your hips and lower back means you can rotate more freely, which equals more power when you throw a roundhouse.
Obliques: The Secret to Your TwistHere’s the kicker (pun intended!): the roundhouse kick isn’t just about leg strength. The real power comes from your upper body twist—and guess what controls that motion? Your obliques. These muscles on the side of your torso are the ones responsible for the pivot and twisting motion when you throw that kick. Pilates specifically targets your obliques, helping you control and refine that movement so your kick is more precise and powerful. The stronger and more flexible your obliques, the smoother and more explosive your roundhouse will be.
Improved BalancePilates focuses on balance, coordination, and stability—critical components for effective kickboxing. Stronger, more balanced muscles mean you can quickly adjust your stance or recover from a failed attempt without stumbling.

Real Talk: Let’s Kick It

Now, let’s talk specifics. In Curious Flight or Geared Curious Flight, every Pilates-inspired move we do is designed to help you build that core foundation, so when you step into the ring (or onto that rooftop), you’re ready to throw kicks like a pro.

Imagine this: You’re balancing on one leg in a Pilates move like The Teaser, and suddenly, you need to throw a roundhouse kick to the side. Guess what? Your core is already engaged, your obliques are working overtime to control that twist, and that kick lands with power. That’s the magic of combining Pilates with kickboxing.

Ready to Level Up?

If you want to start seeing results, you’ve got to give it a try. Whether you're a seasoned kickboxer or just starting out, mixing in a Pilates-inspired class like Kilates will help you build that strength, flexibility, and control to level up your kicks.