Ego Nwodim Says Using This ‘Tool’ Helps Her ‘Show Up as a Whole Person’ at Work (Exclusive)

Even amid the demands of a busy schedule, Ego Nwodim still finds time to “show up for herself.”

Speaking to PEOPLE about her partnership with pilates-inspired strength studio Solidcore, the comedian says staying consistent with her class routine has made a big difference in not only her fitness but also her mental health.

“I feel like it’s such an energy release in Solidcore. And it’s just 50 minutes you’re in a class, but it’s you and your thoughts and that’s really ultimately it. And you have the coach encouraging you, and that helps in those moments where you feel like you can’t do another rep, but it’s such a mind-fortifying experience, truly,” she says. “When you’re able to convince yourself or negotiate with yourself to do another rep or do another pulse, it’s such a reminder of how strong you are and how strong and powerful our thoughts are.”

Nwodim, who says she admittedly began going to solidcore because there was studio right next to her apartment, notes that she’s become “obsessed” in the years since. Now, she’s nearing a big milestone: 300 classes.

“I get the sense that I am in it for good with Solidcore because I’ve tried so many other workouts. I have enjoyed some, but none have kept me coming back the way Solidcore has,” she admits. “I never thought I would say I’ve taken nearly 300 classes — beyond improv classes!”

Nwodim, who recently announced her departure from SNL after seven years, has no shortage of laughter in her life, either, thanks to the community she’s found at the pilates studio. Just days ago while she was in class, she says the advice a coach gave to two beginners resonated with her.

“She was like, ‘Just approach this with a sense of humor. It’s first class. It’s not that serious. And just try to enjoy yourself.’ Which may sound counterintuitive, but I will say in class when I’m having a hard time getting another rep in, I smile, which maybe makes me look like a crazy person, but I’ll smile because you can kind of trick your body into being like, I’m enjoying this.”

Ultimately, says Nwodim, she loves being able to honor the promise she made to herself to move her body as long as she’s able. And, in doing so, she’s discovered that working out helps her to bring her best self to her professional obligations, too.

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“I’m not able to do anything else, in terms of work or other responsibilities, if I’m not able to show up for myself and show up as a whole person. And so part of being whole for me is working out and making that space and time to move my body,” the Mr. Throwback adds. “And each time I show up to that commitment of a 50-minute class, I feel better equipped to show up for my other responsibilities. So to me, it’s actually a tool that allows me to do the other things that I do outside of class and to show up at work and give it my all.”