Issue #452 Wed 1 Jan
Strands hints — January 1, 2025
A new month calls for a fresh start, whether that means a long walk or a quiet hour with the grid. Take your time with these connections.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Whatever you set the night before is what gets you up — for better or worse.
Physical movement and bodily maintenance
REPETITIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Spangram 4 nudges · 8 letters
The connector word
A single eight-letter noun
8 letters.
Starts with E, ends with E.
EXERCISE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (6 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 D (8 letters)
- 4 L (5 letters)
- 5 P (5 letters)
- 6 S (5 letters)
- 7 S (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BU (6 letters)
- 2 CR (6 letters)
- 3 DE (8 letters)
- 4 LU (5 letters)
- 5 PL (5 letters)
- 6 SI (5 letters)
- 7 SQ (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
Drop to the floor, push back up, and jump toward the ceiling.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BURPEE
Theme word 2 of 7 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
Tighten your midsection while lying on the mat to lift your shoulders off the floor.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CR.
CRUNCH
Theme word 3 of 7 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
Stand over a heavy bar and pull it upward with a flat back.
8 letters.
Starts with D.
Starts with DE.
DEADLIFT
Theme word 4 of 7 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Step forward with one leg until your knees form right angles.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LU.
LUNGE
Theme word 5 of 7 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Hold your body in a rigid, straight line while supported by your forearms.
5 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PL.
PLANK
Theme word 6 of 7 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Rise from a flat position to a seated one to engage your core.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SI.
SITUP
Theme word 7 of 7 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Lower your hips as if sitting into an invisible chair.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SQ.
SQUAT