The difference between strength training and weightlifting lies primarily in their focus. Strength training aims to increase overall muscle strength and endurance through various exercises, which can include bodyweight, resistance bands, and weights. In contrast, weightlifting specifically refers to the competitive sport of lifting heavy weights in structured forms, such as the snatch and clean and jerk. Both methods build muscle and enhance fitness, but strength training is often more versatile for general fitness goals, while weightlifting is specialized for performance in competition.