The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SQUATS
S
Q
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A
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "exercises" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case exercises = squats.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SQUATS mean?
SQUATS noun- Nothing; nothing whatsoever.
- A position assumed by bending deeply at the knees while resting on one's feet.
- (exercise) Any of various modes of callisthenic exercises performed by moving the body and bending at least one knee.
- A building occupied without permission, as practiced by a squatter.
- A place of concealment in which a hare spends time when inactive, especially during the day; a form.
- A toilet used by squatting as opposed to sitting; a squat toilet.
- A sudden or crushing fall.
- A small vein of ore.
- A mineral consisting of tin ore and spar.
- To bend deeply at the knees while resting on one's feet.
- (exercise) To perform one or more callisthenic exercises by moving the body and bending at least one knee.
- To occupy or reside in a place without the permission of the owner.
- To sit close to the ground; to cower; to stoop, or lie close, to escape observation, as a partridge or rabbit.
- To bruise or flatten by a fall; to squash.
- The angel shark (genus Squatina).