Abstract: Exercise can prevent and reduce the onset and progression of cardiovascular system disease and can also provide direct endogenous cardioprotective effects. Exercise-induced cardioprotective mechanisms include cytoplasmic antioxidant capacity, modulatory effects of mitochondrial functional metabolism, myokine-mediated anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in the cardiovascular system, and systemic effects on the cardiovascular system through inter-organ crosstalk. Much remains to be elucidated with regard to the cardioprotective mechanisms provided by exercise. The aim of this review is to summarize the understanding of the mechanisms of exercise-induced cardioprotective effects and the ideas that may provide new ways for the treatment and prevention of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.