What type of shoulder exercise focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff?

The correct choice emphasizes isolation exercises, which are specifically designed to target and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a variety of arm movements. Isolation exercises, such as external and internal rotations, often use lower weights and focus on the precise movements necessary to strengthen these small but crucial muscles without involving larger muscle groups significantly.

In contrast, compound exercises involve multiple joints and typically engage larger muscle groups, making them less focused on the specific needs of the rotator cuff. Aerobic exercises primarily enhance cardiovascular fitness and do not specifically target muscle strength or stability in the shoulder region. Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements and are more suited for power and speed training, rather than the targeted muscular endurance and strength needed for the rotator cuff. Therefore, isolation exercises are best suited for strengthening the rotator cuff through focused, controlled movements.