Question: Can I get big legs without doing barbell squats?
Answer: It is said that the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. Clearly whoever said that had not heard this question. Size comes from overload plus calories in excess of what you’re burning plus recovery. Period. Obviously that’s an oversimplification, and there are many permutations to that equation, but those are the basic tenets of hypertrophy.
King Move
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.
However, that does not exclude other exercises from being crown prince, regent, viceroy, or court jester, all of whom have their respective places in the king’s court. Think leg presses, deadlifts, machine squats, leg curls, leg extensions, and heavy sled work. You could make the argument that with a comprehensive program involving those movements you could even overthrow the king.
Though if your king is benevolent and serves the people, why would you? Play your cards right and you can have the biggest legs in the land. Cards. King. Like in a deck, get it? Right.
