Nicole Ari Parker, known for her roles in "Boogie Nights," "Brown Sugar," "Soul Food," "Rosewood," and more recently, "And Just Like That…," is not only a successful actress but also a dedicated entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Balancing a demanding career with family life requires a commitment to health and wellness, and Parker has developed strategies to maintain her physical and mental well-being. This article delves into Nicole Ari Parker's approach to diet, exercise, and overall wellness, drawing from her interviews and experiences.
Solving a Personal Problem: The Gymwrap Story
Parker's entrepreneurial journey began with a personal need. As a Black woman who invests significantly in her hair, she sought a solution to protect her hairstyles during workouts. This led to the creation of Gymwrap, a sweat-wicking headband designed to keep hair dry and maintain its style.
The inspiration behind Gymwrap came from two key moments. First, she declined a workout invitation from her husband, Boris Kodjoe, because she had just had her hair flatironed. Second, she learned about a study that revealed many African American women avoided exercise to preserve their hairstyles. Driven by a desire to serve this need, Parker fashioned a prototype by cutting up her exercise clothes. A decade later, Gymwrap remains a successful product, born from a personal challenge and a commitment to helping others. It took 19 versions to get Gymwrap just right.
Nicole Ari Parker's Philosophy on Wellness
For Nicole Ari Parker, wellness is a holistic concept encompassing physical fitness, mental health, and self-care. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude and self-love in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
"I’m so grateful for what I have, where I came from, and what I’ve built. I think of exercise as a way to say thank you to my body," she shares. Parker believes in surrounding herself with encouraging people who remind her to love herself throughout the process, regardless of where she starts.
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Diet and Nutrition
Parker has made conscious choices to improve her diet, including reducing her coffee intake and incorporating tea into her daily routine. She emphasizes the importance of heart health and has partnered with Lipton tea to promote its benefits.
Embracing Tea
Parker has developed a passion for tea, viewing it as a calming and healthful beverage. "Tea has become a big part of my life," she says. She enjoys a cup of tea in the morning to start her day without the rush and anxiety that coffee can cause. In the evenings, her husband makes her chamomile tea or another decaf option. She also uses chaga as a sweetener, which she notes is rich in antioxidants and beneficial for heart health and cholesterol.
Healthy Snacking On Set
During her time on the set of "Chicago P.D.", Sophia Bush revealed the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet amidst the tempting treats. Parker says that she likes to bring healthy options with her, to avoid the donuts, candy and Doritos that are everywhere.
Exercise Routine
Nicole Ari Parker incorporates a variety of exercises into her routine, including weightlifting and cardio. She emphasizes the importance of finding activities she enjoys to stay motivated.
Cardio and Weightlifting
Parker identifies as a "cardio girl" and enjoys using the treadmill. However, she also incorporates weightlifting into her fitness regimen. Marina Squerciati shared that she trains hard and puts her whole body into it. She likes to lift heavy weights and do what footballers do.
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The "Hotel Workout"
Parker has developed a simple yet effective workout routine that she can do anywhere, even in hotel rooms. "I’m always in hotels and I have this workout that I do in my PJs," she explains. This circuit consists of five exercises: squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks. She performs the circuit four times, making it a quick and energizing way to start the day.
Mental Wellness and Self-Care
Parker emphasizes the importance of mental wellness and incorporates practices such as meditation, journaling, and self-care rituals into her daily life.
Morning Routine
Parker's morning routine includes meditation and journaling. "So I actually meditate now when I wake up and I write in my journal for a few minutes. I write down things I’m grateful for right now and all the wonderful things that are to come. And then I really do make myself a cup of tea!" she shares. This routine helps her start her day with a positive and grounded mindset.
Stress Management
To cope with stressful moments, Parker uses techniques such as deep breathing and positive affirmations. She also emphasizes the importance of checking in with friends and family. "Sometimes I’ll reach out to a friend and check in on them, too. We’ve all been so solitary during the lockdown that sometimes you forget to reach out and check on your girl, check on your sister, check on your mom," she says.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Parker makes self-care a priority, particularly through warm baths. "I make a big deal out of the bathtub [laughs]. I love a warm bath - like really, really warm. I do the salts and the oils, bubbles, candles, and all of that. It’s like a little apothecary around my bathtub," she explains. She also enjoys having "date nights" in the bathroom with her husband, where they can relax, talk, and enjoy each other's company.
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Family and Balance
Balancing a demanding career with family life requires careful planning and a strong support system. Parker emphasizes the importance of family time and creating a "nice, simple life."
Making Time for Family
Despite her busy schedule, Parker prioritizes spending time with her husband and children. She takes advantage of breaks in filming to fly home and spend four-day weekends with her family. She also enjoys simple activities such as reading with her children.
KOFIT App
Parker and her husband, Boris Kodjoe, along with his brother Patrick Kodjoe and his wife Nicole Kodjoe, have created the KOFIT app. This fitness app aims to make exercise accessible to everyone, including busy individuals and families. The app offers workout routines that are short, effective, and can be done at home. It is designed to be inclusive, with workouts for men, women, and children.
Beauty and Skincare
Parker emphasizes the importance of skincare, particularly moisturizing and using sunscreen. She also supports woman-owned businesses, such as NaturesBeautibar, for her cleansing products.
Skincare Routine
Parker highlights the importance of wearing sunscreen, especially for Black women. She prefers spray-on sunscreens because she wears a lot of makeup. She also focuses on moisturizing her entire body, paying particular attention to her legs, arms, and hands.
Lessons and Advice
Parker shares valuable lessons and advice that she has learned throughout her life and career.
Embracing Challenges
Parker's father taught her to view challenges as opportunities for growth. "The best advice I’ve received was from my dad, who said, ‘It’s gonna make the story better when you’re old.’ Essentially, every problem has an end, and the test you’re going through will become your testimony," she shares.
The Power of Networking
Parker emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people. "I surround myself with encouraging people. We remind each other that no matter where you start, you should love yourself through the process," she says.