Nicole Ari Parker, known for her roles on screen and stage for over two decades, recently launched her own activewear brand, Gymwrap, as a solution to a common problem faced by black women during workouts. After struggling with maintaining her hairstyle while exercising, Parker created an absorbent and breathable headband to protect different hair types from sweat. In an interview, Parker revealed that her inspiration for Gymwrap stemmed from the realization that many black women prioritize their hair over their health due to the time and effort involved in styling. With the mission of encouraging black women to prioritize fitness, Parker designed Gymwrap to provide a solution that allows women to maintain their hairstyles while engaging in physical activity.
Innovative Technology for Fitness
One of the key features of Gymwrap highlighted by Parker is its absorbent and moisture-wicking technology that sets it apart from traditional headbands. The unique design of Gymwrap allows it to effectively wick away moisture and release heat, making it suitable for everyone, regardless of their hair type. Unlike regular headbands that merely keep hair away from the face, Gymwrap offers one-hour sweat absorbency with soft material and practical features such as pockets in the pants. Parker emphasizes that Gymwrap is designed to empower women to choose both their hairstyle and their health, addressing a barrier that often discourages black women from engaging in physical exercise.
As an actress on a show known for its iconic fashion, Parker acknowledges the pressure to maintain a certain appearance but emphasizes the importance of body positivity. She describes her experience working with a body-positive wardrobe department and real women on set, highlighting the shift in her perspective towards fitness. Instead of focusing solely on achieving flat abs, Parker views working out as a way to center herself and appreciate her body’s capabilities. She emphasizes that her goal is not just about vanity but about longevity, wanting to be healthy for her children and future grandchildren.
Practical Approach to Exercise
Parker shares her practical approach to exercise, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physical activity into everyday routines. Whether walking around New York City during filming or working out in her garage gym, Parker prioritizes staying active despite her busy schedule. She emphasizes the significance of establishing a morning meditation routine to set a positive tone for the day and approaches exercise as a form of self-care and mental well-being. By making fitness accessible and integrated into her daily life, Parker demonstrates a commitment to her health and overall wellness.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Parker values the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family. She emphasizes the significance of family dinners as a time to bond and share nutritious meals together. With a focus on incorporating protein, vegetables, and carbs into her family’s meals, Parker strives to strike a balance between satisfying cravings and making health-conscious choices. Additionally, she shares her commitment to staying hydrated by setting a daily water intake goal and incorporating supplements like spirulina into her diet for added nutrients.
In addition to her personal fitness journey, Parker and her husband, Boris Kodjoe, are actively involved in supporting global health and wellness initiatives through the Kodjoe Family Foundation. Inspired by their daughter Sophie, who was born with spina bifida, the foundation aims to provide resources and support for families of children with neural tube defects. Through their foundation, Parker and Kodjoe also contribute to promoting youth sports, particularly tennis, by providing grants for young athletes to attend tennis academies. Moreover, proceeds from Gymwrap sales are directed towards supporting the foundation’s efforts to improve health outcomes in multicultural communities.
Overall, Parker’s journey to empower black women through fitness and wellness reflects a commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting body positivity, and prioritizing health and self-care. Through her brand Gymwrap and philanthropic endeavors, Parker inspires individuals to embrace the importance of exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being in achieving a healthier lifestyle.