People in rehab training group are really draining my energy!

I´m in a rehab group where we meet for water aerobics twice a week. I find the exercise rewarding and important for my health but sometimes I think of quitting because of all the energy draining people who are in those groups.

Some people hardly say anything at all when we meet in the locker room before and after the exercise and I just avoid those people as I understand not everyone likes to talk to "strangers".

I often try to mention something that everyone can enjoy talking about, a subject which is easy to talk about like about some store, something on TV and so on. But what´s draining is that the majority of those attending this water aerobics only talk about themselves and seem to only have the capability to see things from their own perspective.

They mostly talk about their illnessess and always shift the conversation back to them, to give examples from their own experiences but they don´t comment on what I mention to them.

I ask them questions but they rarely ask me anything so even if I like talking to people I´ve now decided to not bring up any subjects to those people as they seem to think that others like hearing about them talking about themselves.

For me this isn´t something just to ignore and as I´m affected by it I can´t just focus on the exercise. I find it very draining with people who can´t engage in other people´s perspective and follow up on something without just turning the conversation back to themselves.

I sometimes think I could perhaps avoid the locker room as much as possible at least before the group starts by getting there as late as possible. Afterwards it´s more difficult as I need to shower, change clothes and so on and as it´s a very small locker room I can´t find a space free from those people.

I do water aerobic too. I love it! I also do Zumba. In general I do talk to strangers but I don’t talk to anyone when I go to work out. I kind of just do my thing. It’s nice you try to talk to people. It’s a shame they don’t engage but I’d not quit because they aren’t talking to you. Could you just focus on activity and enjoy it for the health benefit?

Unless i am taking a workout class with someone who is already a friend, i dont recall making conversation with other athletes, and really not in a locker room where everybody is half naked and there are hair driers blasting.

I would bring a friend if you want to talk about whatever topics you're bringing up. It's unreasonable to expect other people in the class to provide conversation when the reason everyone is there is an activity. Perhaps you could find a book club or a club for another interest you have that would provide conversation for you.

I also did water aerobics when I was pregnant with my son and I greatly enjoyed it I think it helped me have an enjoyable and easy pregnancy. I do not recall ever talking to anyone in the locker room.

Do you have Bluetooth earbuds 🎧? If you do, you can listen to music, an audiobook or a podcast while your smartphone is in your locker and you go about the business of changing into a swimsuit pre-workout. Post-workout, I am not clear how you are even trying to strike a conversation if you are in the shower.

If you focus on your listening material, you won't be starting those conversations that lead to frustration for you.

And obviously do not quit your rehab because of that. Water aerobics is one of the best rehab modalities. Really, it is unmatched. Why would you quit something so good just because other participants are not good conversationalists?!