A method includes providing an exercise mat having first and second ends, first and second sides, and first and second major surfaces, providing a pliant substrate including an oligodynamic material having a biocidal or antimicrobial effect, forming a prepared exercise mat by overlying the pliant substrate over the first major surface, the pliant substrate extending across the first major surface between the first side and the second side and between the first end and the second end, and rolling up the prepared exercise mat into a spiral roll including the pliant substrate spiraled between the first major surface and the second major surface, the oligodynamic material contacting, and exerting the biocidal or antimicrobial effect on organisms on or carried by, the first major surface and the second major surface over a period of time while maintaining the prepared exercise mat in the spiral roll.