Final answer:
To protect the neck in bridge pose, keep your head centered, engage muscle support, don't overextend, consider padding for support, and focus on weight distribution and core engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
To protect the neck in bridge pose, it's important to keep a few key points in mind. Firstly, do not turn your head to the side; keep it centered with your gaze upward to maintain alignment of the neck with the rest of the spine. Engage your leg muscles and press your feet into the floor to lift your hips, which reduces the weight and pressure on the neck. Additionally, make sure not to overextend; your neck should feel long and free of strain. Using a padded mat or a folded towel under your shoulders can also provide additional support and minimize pressure. Bringing attention to the distribution of body weight and engaging the core muscles to stabilize the pose are crucial steps to ensuring neck safety.