Purpose: This study was designed to explore the stage distribution of subjects according to stages of change for exercise and to identify factors that could discriminate subjects in various stages. Methods: The sample consisted of 182 subjects who had metabolic syndrome. The instruments used in this study were the stage placement instrument for exercise, the metabolic syndrome knowledge and metabolic syndrome health belief scale, and the metabolic syndrome exercise self efficacy scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA, and discriminant analysis by using the SPSS 19.0 program. Results: For exercise stages, exercise efficacy, occupation, and exercise benefit showed high standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients. Subjects in precontemplation/contemplation stage for exercise were more likely to have occupations, had less exercise efficacy and exercise benefit than those in other stage. Conclusion: This study implies that the level of exercise efficacy and exercise benefit of subjects in precontemplation/contemplation stage need to be enhanced in developing exercise program incorporating the stage of change for metabolic syndrome patients.