Contrary to other opinions expressed herein transpires the mat a smell of chemicals (plasticizers presumably?). Maybe not as pushy as other products, yet. The smell gets stronger when the mat is in the sun, then the whole room smells like it. I have it now. 3 months in use and I find it increasingly difficult to tolerate the emanations of the mat I would buy this product again. Three stars there are, because the training characteristics of the mat are otherwise well and because the products of other manufacturers far worse smell partly - for this mat has already been apparently trouble. An odor-free exercise mat can not be expected here but.