Get bigger, stronger legs with the Kneeling Barbell Squat.
Q: Can I get bigger calves without doing barbell squats?
Answer: Some people say that the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. Apparently, who said that had not heard of this problem. The size comes from overloading the amount of heat you're burning, plus recovery. Expect. Obviously, this is an oversimplification, and there are many permutations into this formula, but these are the basic principles of hypertrophy.
Exercise
So with that in mind, let’s review: The National Strength and Conditioning Association calls the squat the king of all exercises. For what it's worth, I agree.
This does not, however, exclude other exercises by the crown prince, regent, governor, or court jester, all of whom have their respective places in the king's court. Feel like leg presses, deadlifts, squat machines, leg curls, leg extensions, and heavy sled work. You can make arguments that involve a comprehensive program of those movements, and you can even overthrow a king.
But if your king is kingly and serves his people, why would you? Play your cards correctly and you can have the biggest legs on the ground. Card. king. Like on the deck, get it? right.