Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias in clinic. The incidence of atrial fibrillation remains high in recent years, greatly affecting the quality of life of patients. Many factors may lead to atrial fibrillation, and exercise is closely related to the development and progression of atrial fibrillation. Whether exercise can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and how to formulate a scientific and effective exercise program have now become focuses of clinical research. This review summarizes the latest research progress on the relationship between exercise and atrial fibrillation, systematically expounds the physiological basis of exercise in atrial fibrillation, and objectively evaluates the limitations of the current exercise program.