The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PILATES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
P
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More clues leading to the result PILATES
- Exercise hard, a cheek aloft
- Exercise system — various courses about one
- System of exercises and dishes containing iodine
- Illustrations describing one exercise programme
- Form of exercise is source of inflammation in Cockney’s feet
- Had meals cutting beer – it’s good for your …
- Exercise taken by pupil at estate
- System of exercises I found in full-page book illustrations
- Gentle exercise courses involving a minimum of intensity
- Pupil ate spinach as part of an exercise programme
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The straight part
We know that "Form of exercise" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case form of exercise = pilates.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 PILATES mean?
PILATES noun- A physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.