If you've ever wondered, "Can aerobic exercise build muscle?" the answer is yes. In fact, it can help you achieve a greater strength and muscular size, even if you're not training for a weightlifting competition. Aerobic exercises increase the number of mitochondria, which is an essential cellular component in energy production. They also increase the thickness and number of fibers. As you do more intense workouts, your muscles will adapt and grow stronger, and you'll lose fat at the same time. A study published in the journal Cell Physiology in 2007 showed that cardiovascular exercise can enhance muscle growth. Although this does not mean that it can build muscle, it can increase it. In fact, aerobic exercise increases muscle size, but the benefits of long-term cardio are not as clear.  A single 30-minute session of moderate intensity, paired with strength training, is the minimum intensity for maximizing muscle growth. Ideally, you'll perform the cardio be