Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive and systemic loss in volume and quantity (mass) of skeletal muscle fibers, skeletal muscle strength and function associated with aging. It increases the risks for other diseases in the elderly, and results in disability, decline in quality of life, and death. Physical exercise intervention shows good preventive and therapeutic effects on the syndrome. In this article, we reviewed the advances in physical exercise interventions for sarcopenia, and found that resistance training, aerobic training and whole-body vibration training are widely used, and exercise combined with nutrition intervention and medication has gradually become a new and effective way. Our aims are to provide evidence for the research and clinical treatment of sarcopenia and reference for individualized and scientifically effective exercise regimens for the elderly.