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Fact #1. Up until the 20th Century, personal exercise mats were little more than a flat pad that could be rolled up and tied together for storage. There were several issues with these early models, not the least of which was that the foam absorbed sweat. This resulted in bacteria and odors.
Fact #2. Flat mats became more resilient thanks to the introduction of polyurethane foam in the 1950s. In addition to a stronger cushion, these were built with a polyvinyl liner, which protected the inner cushion from perspiration and wear. Polyvinyl could be wiped down or scrubbed, which meant an average mat could go from lasting several months to several years. Certain liners were designed with zippers, which meant the liner could be removed.
Fact #3. Today, a number of high-quality exercise mats are being manufactured with memory foam and a bacteria-resistant liner. Certain options are even eco-friendly and biodegradable. Almost all of today's models are designed to be more durable. That durability is the result of using stronger materials, combined with better science.
Fact #4. At its best, any exercise mat that's purchased for personal fitness will get used for two hours a day. During off-months, it may not get used at all. So how do you get more value out of one? The first step is to be creative. Try and think of that mat as a lightweight, cushioned surface that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Fact #5. The most important feature of any mat is its cushion. Most top-of-the-line mats provide at least two to three layers of foam. While thickness is largely a matter of how compact the cushion is, you probably want it to sit at least a couple of inches off the floor. This way there's no risk of knees or elbows sinking in.