Which type of exercise relies on muscle tension without significant body movement?

Isometric exercise is characterized by muscle contractions that occur without any significant movement of the joint or body. During isometric exercises, the muscle length does not change, and the tension increases, but the body or joint remains stationary. This type of exercise can be particularly beneficial for building strength and stability in specific muscle groups, making it useful for rehabilitation and sport-specific training.

In contrast, circuit training involves a series of exercises performed one after the other, typically incorporating both resistance and aerobic components, which means it includes significant body movement. Dynamic stretching consists of controlled movements that improve range of motion and flexibility while also preparing the muscles for activity, involving movement rather than static tension. Ballistic stretching involves bouncing motions to push the muscles beyond their normal range of motion, which again requires movement rather than maintaining muscle tension without movement. Thus, when focusing on muscle tension without significant body movement, isometric exercise is the clear choice.