Metabolic syndrome is characterized by simultaneous occurrence of central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, posing a serious health problem. Exercise plays a pivotal role in preventing and treating metabolic syndrome: it can (1)reduce weight and improve the fat deposit in organs; (2) improve insulin sensitivity and glucose transporter4 level and down-regulate blood glucose by promoting muscle glucose utilization; (3) improve the vascular endothelial function, increase the secretion of nitric oxide, decrease the secretion of endothelin, and finally reduce blood pressure; and (4)decrease blood levels of triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increase the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. This paper is to review the effect of exercise on metabolic syndrome in an all around manner.