Pilates question

So I know that you can't spot reduce and I know that abdominal exercises can bulk up the middle when you still have belly fat. I also know that cardio is the only way to drop the fat on your belly as it is a successful way to drop overall body fat.

With that said, Pilates focuses heavily on the core so would that be something that would bulk up my middle? I have belly fat and my structure is already a little thick to begin with in the middle. I am interested in Pilates, but don't know if the class at the gym would cause the bulkier middle syndrome.

Hi. I'm a Pilates instructor so I know the answer to this one!

Pilates will NOT bulk up your middle, it will do the opposite. It's big time core work, true, but in Pilates you learn how to engage your transversus abdominus muscle which is your deepest ab muscle and the muscle that 'sucks you in'.

In a good Pilates mat class you should get the cue in almost every exercise to "sink the belly", or "pull your navel to your spine", or "scoop the low abs". That engages that TA muscle which prevents your rectus abdominus from pooching out when you go into flexion (bending forward like in a crunch position).

The class at your gym may - or may not - be a "real" Pilates class. Ask about the qualifications of the person teaching the class at your gym. And not every certified Pilates instructor is the right one for you. If you don't like the class, or don't see results, look around for a Pilates studio that offers mat classes, they're usually very reasonably priced.

Good luck!