Aiko Melendez Opens Up About Her Fitness Transformation

Aiko would be the first to admit that her fitness journey hasn’t always been linear. She began her pursuit of wellness several years ago, but it was only in the last 18 months that she truly committed to the process. “At first, my motivation was more physical—I wanted to look good and feel confident again. But as I grew in the process, my reason evolved,” she shares. “Now, it’s about longevity and self-love. I want to be healthy for my kids, for the people I serve, and most importantly, for myself.”

This renewed purpose, which is to feel stronger and healthier so she can move through her roles as mom, actress, YouTuber, and public servant with more ease and energy, helped her shed weight as a natural result of improving her overall well-being. “I became more confident, patient, and mentally strong,” she adds.

"The hardest part was consistency. There were days when I was tired from work, tapings, or city council duties, but I learned that discipline beats motivation," she admits.

While the results may appear instantaneous to casual scrollers, Aiko credits her trimmer physique to small habits that compounded over time. “I started small—regular workouts, a balanced diet, and a lot of discipline,” she shares.

Aiko recommends committing to a purpose instead of aiming for a result. "Know your reason, whether it’s health, confidence, or self-love, and let that fuel you," she shares. Having a north star will guide you, especially on difficult days.

The thyroid regulates hormones, and any imbalance—whether excess or deficiency—can significantly affect metabolism. Aiko shares that she consulted Dr. Roland Angeles to address her thyroid concerns, ensuring that her routine and diet were aligned with her body’s natural rhythms.

A lifestyle change is challenging on its own, but sustaining new habits is an entirely different level of discipline. “Moderation is key,” she insists. She eased into a healthier routine through manageable strength-training and cardio sessions, paired with a more mindful approach to eating. Her balanced diet consists of small portions—“just a box size,” she says—mainly chicken and fish. She avoids beef, allows herself pork occasionally, and doesn’t deprive herself of the little pleasures. “I still allow myself to enjoy life,” she adds.

She also reveals that she is taking a personalized supplement she plans to release soon—AimSlim. “I personally asked a chemist to combine all the ingredients I found effective into one sachet. I’m just waiting for FDA approval,” she shares.

“I made sure to surround myself with people who inspired me, including my trainers and friends who value fitness,” Aiko shares. Choosing the healthier option becomes far easier when you’re surrounded by people who share the same mindset. When you have people who affirm your new lifestyle, you’re more likely to stay consistent rather than fall back into old patterns.

A strong support system also matters on days when motivation slips. “There will be plateaus, setbacks, and moments when you’ll doubt yourself—but that’s okay. Progress is progress, no matter how small,” Aiko assures.

Reiterating that viewing her physique through a holistic lens—rather than focusing solely on aesthetics—made the biggest difference, she advocates for sustainable steps in improving one’s well-being, beginning with self-acceptance. “Fitness taught me that transformation starts within,” Aiko reflects. “It’s about believing that you’re worth the effort.”

She also underscores that every fitness journey is deeply personal. “Always look for what’s fit for your body,” she advises. “You need to understand your body to determine the right formula and the supplements that work for you—which is why I’m excited to be sharing my own brand soon.”