This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

Chris Freytag demonstrating a Stiletto Squat

The stiletto squat (also called a cyclist squat) is an exercise that strengthens the legs, glutes, and calves and increases balance and core stability. (It gets its name from those crazy high heels women wear around!)

The stiletto squat takes an average squat that already focuses on your legs and glutes and adds calf strength by raising the heels up. Let’s take a look at how to properly do this effective lower-body move!

muscle strength vs muscle endurance woman squatting

Save This Article To Read Later

Enter your email below and we’ll email you the post right to your inbox to read later! 📥

Stiletto Squat Instructions

Here’s how to do a stiletto squat:

  1. Start standing and lift your heels high like you’re wearing heels.
  2. Keeping your abs engaged and heels lifted, slowly drop into a squat, bringing your hips to knee height.
  3. Squeeze your glutes and return to the starting position.

Targets: glutes, quads, hamstrings

Stiletto Squat Benefits

Stiletto squats come with plenty of benefits, including:

  • Strengthens your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves
  • Improves balance and stability
  • Builds calf muscle and definition
  • Works your core
  • Improves coordination
  • Activates your inner thigh muscles

Easy Ways to Incorporate the Stiletto Squat Into Your Workouts

Ready to add more stiletto squats (or cyclist squats, if you prefer!) to your workout routine? Here are three fantastic lower-body workouts that incorporate them: