Objective To evaluate the efficiency and security of physical exercise with low intensity against malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Methods Between December 2014 and October 2015, 37 patients with cirrhosis were divided into two groups according to their willings, with 19 in the exercise group and 18 in the control group. Endurance of the exercise for 3 months were recorded. Mid-arm circumference, " up and go” time, width of portal vein and Child-Pugh score were compared before and after the research between the two groups. Results Three months later, the mid-arm circumference and the " up and go” time of the exercise group [(33.99±2.15) cm, (9.17±0.35) s] were better than those before the exercise [(32.09±2.58) cm, (9.77±0.46) s] and those in the control group [(31.93±2.04) cm, (9.76±0.30) s], and the differences above were all statistically significant (P<0.05). The change of the width of portal vein was positively correlated with pre-exercise body mass index in overweight patients (r=0.93, P=0.007). Conclusions Physical exercise with low intensity is safe and effective against malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Overweitht patiens or malnutrition at the early stage may benefit more.