Muscle takes up less space than fat. As you build muscle, you lose fat. Even though the scale might not show any drop in pounds, you're probably dropping clothing sizes. Eventually, the scale will go down too. You don't know what you've got until you get it.
Strength is a very valuable asset to have.
Suddenly you're not a victim. You don't have to wait for a man to come around and help you open that jar, lift that box, move that piece of furniture. Muscle is active. It gives you energy. You're not tired anymore.