Posture training device and methods for using same

A device for improving the posture of the body of a user when the user is engaged in certain activities, comprising:

• an elongated rigid member having a surface adapted for engagement with the user's body, said rigid member having a length sized and configured to extend along the back of the user, from a lower end disposed at or below the waist of the user to an upper end disposed behind the head of the user, above the user's neck, said elongated rigid member further comprising a rigid element, and a fabric cover disposed about said rigid element, wherein said rigid element comprises two telescoping members, so that the length of said elongated rigid member is adjustable;
• and
• at least two securement elements extending from said elongated rigid member and disposable about the torso of the user to secure the elongated rigid member to the body of the user, wherein no portion of any securement elements are disposed over the shoulders of said user when the elongated rigid member is secured to the body of the user;
• said elongated rigid member surface being substantially planar along its entire length, in that there are no pads or cushions disposed anywhere on said surface which protrude outwardly from said surface;
• wherein said elongated rigid member is not attachable to a head of the user when the elongated rigid member is secured to the body of the user.

A method for improving the posture of a user's body when the user is engaged in swinging a golf club, comprising:

• disposing an elongated rigid member along the back of the user, wherein a lower end of the elongated rigid member is disposed at or below the waist of the user and an upper end of the elongated rigid member is disposed behind the head of the user, above the user's neck;
• securing the elongated rigid member to the user's body by fastening a securement element attached to the elongated rigid member about the torso of the user;
• and
• maintaining substantial alignment of the user's head with a lower portion of the user's spine, said lower spine portion being the spine portion below the user's neck, by maintaining contact between the back of the user's head, above the neck, and the upper end of the elongated rigid member while the user is standing in an upright orientation and while swinging a golf club, without attaching the user's head directly to the elongated rigid member.