Question

The mats used in gyms and the padding used in sports uniforms are made up of soft substances. Why are rigid materials not used?

Answer 1

Because the soft substances move towards the direction of motion as they are less elastic

$F_{exerted}=\frac{△p}{△t}$ (Newton second law)

Because of the softness, the substance undergoes less change in momentum ( $△p$ is small).

So because of small $△p$, the force exerted is small.