Returning from hard exercise to a recess with a seat (6)
I believe the answer is:
exedra
'a recess with a seat' is the definition.
(outdoor place to sit esp in ancient Rome or Greece)
'returning from hard exercise' is the wordplay.
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ardexe' can be found hidden inside 'hard exercise'.
'ardexe' in reverse letter order is 'EXEDRA'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for exedra that I've seen before include "Outdoor bench" , "Architectural feature with seats" , "bench in recess" , "room with seats" , "room for discussion" .)