If you’re visiting this page, chances are you’re seeking advice on how to play [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), the *New York Times*’ elegant variation on the traditional word-search game.
**Strands** invites players to expand their thinking beyond a standard word search. Words can be created by linking letters in various directions — up, down, left, right, or diagonally — and may even shift direction within a single word, forming distinctive shapes and arrangements. The twist? Every letter in the grid contributes to an answer. Each puzzle centers around a particular theme, and there’s always a “spangram” — a unique word or phrase that represents the day’s theme, spanning the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### Games You Might Enjoy:
– [Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and additional games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other *NYT* games such as [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), **Strands** presents an additional level of challenge. It offers only a general hint regarding the theme and lacks a word list, resulting in a more time-consuming and mentally stimulating experience. However, if you find yourself pressed for time or in need of support, we’ve got all the hints and solutions you require to address today’s puzzle at your own pace.
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### Additional Reading:
– [Wordle Today: Answers and Hints for January 1](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-1-2025)
– [NYT Connections Hints and Answers for January 1](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-1-2025)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: What a Workout**
The theme for today’s puzzle is focused on exercises you might do to burn calories.
### **Understanding the Theme**
The words in this puzzle represent actions you could perform at a gym.
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## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram is **horizontal**.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today’s puzzle is: **Exercise**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for January 1**
Here’s the complete list of words for today’s puzzle:
– **Squat**
– **Lunge**
– **Crunch**
– **Plank**
– **Situp**
– **Burpee**
– **Deadlift**
– **Exercise**
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### Featured Video: Strands 101
**Discover how to excel at the NYT’s newest word game!**
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### Interested in More Games?
Visit [Mashable’s Games Hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for a variety of puzzles, such as Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
Missed out on yesterday’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to December 31’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-31-2024)