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International Journal of Exercise Science 6 (2): 144-156, 2013. Previous meta-analyses examining the effects of exercise on stress reactivity have included methodologically weak studies; we therefore conducted a meta-analysis utilizing more stringent inclusion criteria. An analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials involving humans (N= 1,252) revealed a moderate effect (ES=-0.31; 95% CI=-. 43,-. 20) for exercise as a method to reduce stress reactivity. An additional analysis with 27 randomized controlled trials of physical activity in animals (N= 462) also revealed a moderate reduction (ES=-0.33; 95% CI=-0.15,-0.52) in stress reactivity. The combined results of these analyses indicate that exercise diminishes the negative effects of increased reactivity to stressors.