Crossword Genius

Lifting couch is exercise (3-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sit-up

'exercise' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Physical exercise ' mean 'sit-up' so perhaps 'exercise' could also mean 'sit-up')

'lifting couch is' is the wordplay.
'lifting' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'couch' becomes 'put' ('put' can be a synonym of 'couch').
'put'+'is'='putis'
'putis' reversed gives 'SIT UP'.

(Other definitions for sit-up that I've seen before include "Exercise designed to strengthen stomach muscles" , "Physical exercise" , "Exercise done on the floor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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