EDITOR’S NOTE: “Tip of the week” is a periodic feature running in the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, in partnership with the Incline Village General Improvement District, providing locals with various tips pertaining to the recreation opportunities and services the district provides.

Swimming is a great full body workout, a quick calorie burner and can be great cross training for skiing and other winter activities. Swimming helps with endurance, muscle toning, overall aerobic benefits and balance.

It’s important to make sure you have good form when swimming to avoid common shoulder injuries. There are many lessons and programs available to teach you proper swimming technique, help correct your technique, get the most from your swim workout and avoid injuries.

Isolating muscle groups in your swim workout can help improve your muscle tone and performance for skiing and other winter activities.

Here are a couple examples of exercises you can add to your swim workout:

Legs: Grab a kick board and kick your legs in a scissor motion. This works your legs but also engages the core muscles in your back and abs.

Arms: Place a pull buoy between your thighs and swim without using your legs. This works your arms and core. To mix things up you can start with the buoy at your ankles, move it to your knees and then between your thighs. Varying the position throughout your workout will help improve your balance.

If you’re not great swimmer, water jogging or ski jumping are also great for resistance, balance and cross training for winter sports.

Locally, the new Incline Aquatics Master Swimming program is a great daily workout available for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers.

This tip was provided by the Incline Village Recreation Center Aquatics Department. Visit Inclinerecreation.com or call 775-832-1310 for more information, pool and aqua fitness schedules and monthly stroke clinics hosted by Mike Kadi, a USA and WSI certified coach.