Boatman's enemies changing direction in exercise (7)
I believe the answer is:
pilates
'exercise' is the definition.
(pilates is a type of exercise)
'boatman's enemies changing direction' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'direction' could be 's' (S is an example) and 's' is found in the answer.
'boatman' could be 'i' (where the crossword setter is 'Boatman') and 'i' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'plate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pilates that I've seen before include "regime for improved fitness" , "Set of exercises used in holistic medicine" , "Holistic system of physical exercises" , "Exercise system" , "Ali's pet (anag) - exercise regime" .)