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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!
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Stiletto Squat Instructions
Here’s how to do a stiletto squat:
- Start standing and lift your heels high like you’re wearing heels.
- Keeping your abs engaged and heels lifted, slowly drop into a squat, bringing your hips to knee height.
- 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: