What type of exercise is primarily aimed at increasing muscle mass and strength?

Resistance training is specifically designed to increase muscle mass and strength by targeting the musculoskeletal system. This form of exercise involves the use of weights, resistance bands, or body weight to create resistance against muscle contractions. As the muscles work against this resistance, they undergo micro-tears that, when repaired, lead to muscle hypertrophy, or an increase in muscle size.

Additionally, resistance training stimulates the production of muscle-building hormones and improves neuromuscular connections, which enhances overall strength. Unlike aerobic training, which focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance and metabolic capacity, resistance training prioritizes muscle development. Meanwhile, flexibility and balance training target different aspects of physical fitness—flexibility focuses on the range of motion in joints, while balance training aims to enhance stability and coordination. These types of exercises do not primarily increase muscle mass or strength, reinforcing why resistance training is the accurate choice for this question.