From my experience, especially as a woman over 40, it’s clear that the number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. When I was younger, I used to jog 3-7 miles a day and focused mainly on cardio. But now, I understand that building muscle significantly changes how weight is distributed and how our bodies look and feel. At 5ft 3in and 185 pounds, my weight might seem high to some, but what truly matters is how that weight sits differently on my body compared to others. Focusing on body composition—how much muscle versus fat you have—is much more beneficial than obsessing over scale weight alone. Muscle is denser than fat, so if you’re gaining muscle through strength training, your weight might stay the same or even increase, but your clothes will fit better and your vitals can improve. A practical way to track progress is by paying attention to clothes sizes and how you feel physically, rather than daily weighing yourself. Measuring body fat percentage or using tools like a tape measure for waist and hip circumference can offer better insights. Remember, every body is unique, and weight naturally sits differently on everyone. It’s empowering to embrace these differences and focus on overall health and strength instead of just numbers.