The best yoga mats in 2024, tried and tested

The best yoga mats in 2024, tried and tested
By Dana Meltzer Zepeda, CNN Underscored
6:07 PM EDT, Fri March 15, 2024

Dana Meltzer Zepeda writes about the best yoga mats in 2024, read the full article here

Desi contributed to this article:

How to choose a yoga mat

With so many yoga mats out there, how do you find the right one? According to celebrity health and fitness expert Desi Bartlett, M.S., CPT, E-RYT, who has taught A-listers like Kate Hudson and Alicia Silverstone, choosing the perfect mat is a completely individual experience.

“As someone who has designed yoga mats, tested yoga mats and has decades practicing on yoga mats, my personal list of things to look for is quite extensive,” she says. “Yoga mats are considered by many practitioners to be a sacred space. For this reason, choosing a yoga mat can be a very personal decision. It should be comfortable, technically sound and not break the bank.”

Although shopping for a new yoga mat varies from person to person, Bartlett highly recommends investing in a natural rubber mat if you’re brand-new to yoga since this material has a strong grip. Or if you’ve been practicing multiple times a week for years, thicker, mildew-resistant mats are a perfect choice, as they can withstand a lot of use.

But more than anything, Bartlett suggests taking your mat for a spin first, as well as checking the warranty, weight, material and price before you open your wallet. And, of course, find a mat that inspires you with colors, textures and designs that will make you want to step on your yoga mat more often.

“I highly suggest test-driving your mat in the same way that you would test-drive a car,” Bartlett says. “Choosing a mat can be a very personal decision, but you should look for materials that give you a great ride. For some, that will be rubber, while others prefer cork or TPE. If you have the opportunity to touch, feel or try out a mat with samples at a retail store or by renting one at your local yoga studio, it will help you decide. And as with any product, you can sense when it’s made with great love and care.”