When considering the leg press exercise, one might ponder the question: How much should I be able to leg press? What factors could potentially influence this figure? Is it solely determined by my body weight, or do aspects such as age, gender, and overall fitness regimen come into play? Furthermore, how can I assess my progress over time to ensure I am not only meeting but exceeding previous benchmarks? Are there recommended standards based on various demographics that could serve as a guideline for me? Additionally, what role does proper form and technique play in maximizing my performance, and could I inadvertently be hindering my capacity to lift due to improper execution? Surely, the journey to mastering the leg press encompasses myriad elements, including mental fortitude and consistency in training. Thus, what are the optimal strategies to gauge and escalate my leg press strength effectively?