Images of yoga postures with one foot behind the neck, legs and arms creating pretzel like shapes, may have sent a message that yoga is a physical activity for the flexible.
You conclude that yoga is definitely not for you.
It appears out of your reach.
Actually there is a lot more happening on the inside than you imagine.
Yoga works because of what is happening on the inside.
What effort is the practitioner making as he goes into the pose, as he holds the pose and as he comes out of the pose.
Here are 3 main inside jobs and some of their benefits.

1. Conscious breathing
2. Mental focus
3. Paying attention to messages from the body

1.
Conscious breathing A common challenge for yoga beginners is remembering to breathe.
Usually beginners hold their breath especially if the pose is difficult.
This is why teachers give instructions to "remember to breathe", or they may say, "inhale, exhale".
Another point of confusion for yoga beginners is knowing when to inhale and when to exhale.
"Do I inhale when I move forward, or twist or do I exhale?" Thoughts like this rush through the mind as the practitioner recognizes the importance of the breath.
Benefits Take a moment as you are reading this and inhale consciously, then exhale.
Pause and become aware of your breath, then consciously take the next 2 breaths.
Notice the shift that happened? The mind suddenly becomes calmer.
And this effect lasts a little longer.
2.
Mental focus As the practitioner holds the pose, she can choose to take her mind to a particular area in her body.
Playing with the flow of the breath, feeling and encouraging more length in the arms, stimulating the flow of energy up and/or down.
She may even be counting breaths, repeating an affirmation, or chanting silently.
Benefits This makes the practice personal, increases concentration powers and creates balance when done intelligently.
3.
Paying attention to messages from the body In the pose, sensations of ease or discomfort arise.
The practitioner must be aware of these to keep his physical body safe and emotions balanced.
He must know when to exit the pose and even for the pretzel pose, must know how to exit the pose.
Benefits Discoveries such as differences in strength between one side of the body and the next increase self awareness.
Yes, there is a lot going on on the inside when you practice yoga.
Even more than the physical and physiological benefits.
Relax, explore yoga and journal on your experience.