Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. In recent decades, the prognosis of SLE has been improved significantly, however, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains to be one of the main cause of death in SLE patients. Apart from disease itsself and treatment, sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of CVD. Although a large amount of researches have confirmed the benefits of physical activity, it is not adequately addressed by health professionals in daily management of SLE. Thus, the assessment and promotion of physical activity is overlooked. This study retrospectively review the literature on physical activity in SLE patients to summarize the measurement and status of physical activity in SLE patients, and the relationship between physical activity and CVD risk and other health outcomes. Despite various subject and object measurements are available, there is no single measurement which can fit every situation. In consideration of the fact that the physical activity level of SLE patients is low and does not reach the recommendation of guidelines, and they are in high risk of CVD, it is reasonable to conclude that the assessment and promotion of physical activity should be instigated in the treatment and daily care to attenuate the risk of CVD, ameliorate quality of life and improve prognosis.