Tying things together, building one’s body up, avoiding some treats — for fitness ultimately! (9)
I believe the answer is:
fastening
'tying' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fastening that I've seen before include "Device that closes or secures" , "Tying" , "Securing device" .)