I actually took this course for five of the ten required. I like the strengthening using body weight and the low impact. This allows me to help prevent common overuse injuries that running often causes, because I can still train without having to run. It develops all the muscles essential for running, especially the core muscles. Honestly, Pilates is useful for just about anything you do, because the core muscles are important for things like balance and posture. Pilates is something I might want to continue on my own. For Pilates in this school there is usually only one instructor. There was a substitute in one of the classes I went to and I noticed how different the class can be depending on the instructor there. The regular instructor generally went slower and emphasized proper breathing and posture more often. The other instructor is much faster. I really like both ways. When the class moves faster, there is more time for different exercises. When the class is slower, it's more relaxing. Plus, different instructors make a huge difference in the fitness format.