Whether you're training for general strength or looking to compete in powerlifting, the training principles for increasing strength are the same. In straightforward terms, a manipulation of training volume, intensity, frequency and exercise selection is modified (the training dose) to get the outcome of adaptation (increased strength, muscle size etc). To maximise training adaptations, recovery from training sessions needs to be adequate. A simple definition of recovery is the body restoring to its previous strength/performance prior to the exercise bout. When you perform a powerlifting training session and the training stress is significant, performance generally will decrease directly after the training session and extends for some time (eg 24-48 hours), eventually restoring to baseline. Whereby adaptation is when performance increases beyond baseline, and an individual is a little bit stronger compared to where they were before the training session. If recovery is insufficient...