When you think of the word 'yoga', you may picture a room full of extremely limber contortionists, bending their bodies into human pretzels. The truth is, there are many effective yoga poses that are not only easy to perform, but also burn fat in the process. Let's take a look at the top 6 most effective and easy fat burning yoga poses. Practicing these moves on a daily basis will provide you with a toned body, increased strength and a deeper sense of relaxation.

Move 1: The Backbend-

One of the key parts of practicing yoga is taking care of your spine. Not only is a stiff spine uncomfortable, but it can also be the cause of many other physical troubles in your body. A well known saying in the yoga community is- 'You are only as young as your spine is flexible.' To keep your spine flexible, you can perform any variation of a backbend. This move not only works your abdominal muscles to help burn fat, but it also tones your backside while strengthening your arms and legs. A good backbend for beginners is The Bridge. Lie on the floor with your feet flat on the ground. Put your palms on the floor, on each side of your head, with your fingertips pointing towards your feet. Point your elbows toward the ceiling. Gently push off the ground with your hands until your arms are straight. Hold for 10 seconds, then gently lower.

Move 2: Forward Bend-

This pose is excellent for strengthening your thighs and knees. It also stretches your calves, hips and hamstrings while activating your abdominal muscles. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips, soften your knees and bend forward slowly. Place your palms on the ground beside your feet. Let your head hang so the crown is facing the floor. Contract your abdominal muscles and slowly return to the starting position.

Move 3: Chair-

The Chair really strengthens your thighs and hamstrings. Because you hold this pose for as long as you can, it burns a ton of calories. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Extend your arms directly above your head, with your palms touching. Bend your knees and lower yourself as if you are going to sit in a chair. Hold this position for 30 seconds or more, then slowly return to the starting position.

Move 4: Downward-Facing Dog-

This pose is a total body workout. This intense moves strengthens your arms, shoulders, stomach, thighs and hamstrings. If you're wanting to burn some serious fat, this is the move you want to practice. Get on all fours with your hands underneath your shoulders, palms on the floor and your knees under your hips. Tighten your stomach and straighten your legs, with your tailbone aiming toward the ceiling. You want your body to look like an upside down 'V', with your hands and feet flat on the floor and your hips bent.

Move 5: Plank-

Because it engages all of your core muscles, this is the ultimate pose for burning stomach fat. Get into position as if you are going to do a pushup. Tighten your stomach muscles and straighten your arms, like you would when doing a pushup, only don't lower yourself back to the ground. Hold this position as long as you can, then lower yourself to the ground.

Move 6: Cobra-

This move really tones your arms and backside while also strengthening your back. Lie face down on the floor with your legs extended behind you. Let the tops of your feet rest on the floor. Place your hands in position as if you are going to do a push up. Gently straighten your arms and round your back as if doing a backbend. Keep your elbows close to your sides and your head held up, eyes looking forward. Hold this position for 20 seconds, then gently return to the starting position.