setting-up exercise

[ set-ing-uhp ]

noun

1. any of a set of exercises, as deep knee bends and push-ups, for improving one's posture, muscle tone, or limberness, or for reducing one's weight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of setting-up exercise¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In the first act of Broadway's bedroom romp Come On Strong, Actress Carroll Baker, 31, was lying on her back near the footlights pedaling air in a setting-up exercise.

From Time Magazine Archive

Calisthenics may be called the big brother, the grown-up form, of the setting-up exercise.

From Project Gutenberg

The lad began moving his arms as if stretching himself or going through a sort of setting-up exercise.

From Project Gutenberg

"Setting-up exercise," commanded Jimmie sharply.

From Project Gutenberg

Here is what was once considered to be a reasonable morning "setting-up" exercise, and which, if coupled with a five-mile rapid walk and hopping first on one foot and then on the other for a half-mile, would prepare a man for his day's work.

From Project Gutenberg