7+ months in, WEIGHT GAIN

[lexsea9]

Hi everyone! So I'm new to this forum.
I started working out consistently (min. 3 days/week) about 7 months ago. I work out in the community gym, so all of my weight training is done with either dumbbells, treadmill, or doing the leg extension machine. I probably weighed around 127lbs before working out (I'm 5'6''). My workouts have varied, but right now I'm consistently:

-Doing goblet squats with a 35lb dumbbell (4 sets of 10, great form)...I was doing more weight, but I've cut back a bit because I feel like my butt is getting big lol
-leg extensions (4 sets of 8-10) 140lbs
-bench pressing dumbbells (50 lbs total), only doing 5 reps for 4 sets, but I just went from 40 to 50 pounds so it's going to take a couple of weeks to get my reps with good form.
-cardio on the treadmill, 15% incline...for at least 30 mins every time I work out (3x/week)

I've put on some weight, but my waist is about 26.5-27'' I currently fluctuate from 133-137 pounds.
I'm not eating more than I did before, and what I eat now is a lot better quality.

I guess I'm concerned because I've always been more petite, and haven't weighed in the 130 range before. Should I just ignore the scale? I in NO WAY think I'm fat, I just don't want the weight to keep increasing. My goal was never to lose weight, only to start living a healthier lifestyle and get strong. I've also lost a lot of cellulite I was starting to develop under my butt. I'm 27 years old.
Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[WolfRose7]

" I in NO WAY think I'm fat"

Ignore scale numbers then.

Go by feel and mirror, chuck your scale. be happier

[kimm4]

Our appetites increase when we start training/cardio and most people end up eating more. If your weight continues to climb it's because you're eating in surplus. If it becomes a concern get a food scale and start tracking your intake properly. This is the only sure way to know how much one is truly eating.

Good luck and keep at it!

[missladyj]

I wouldn’t worry about the number on the scale since it can be a misleading representation of what is going on with the body. If you’re building muscle and establishing a nice physique for yourself, you’re going to gain weight. Many women who lift find they are happier with their bodies at a heavier weight than they ever expected. If you like what you see that’s all that matters. After all, is the goal a certain number on the scale or to look better?

[lexsea9]

Thanks for all the responses! I think in the beginning I was eating more without realizing it (started heavy with cardio). So it's probably a combination of some muscle growth and fat gain. I think I'm going to focus on more resistance training, and only have a serious cardio day 1x a week.