# How Would You Measure Up NOW To Yourself In Your Prime? Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52Q7VXNyxM4 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/52Q7VXNyxM4 Generated: 2025-12-08T09:33:48.865+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The guest, Echo Charles, states that his younger self (age 20-25) would need significantly less time to prepare for the Physical Screening Test (PST) compared to his current self because he now incorporates specific strength movements like heavy cleans and jerks and squats into his routine, which his younger self, who focused heavily on running and swimming, did not prioritize. **Key Points:** - Echo Charles estimates his younger self (20-25) would need less preparation time to pass the PST than his current self. - The primary difference is that Charles now trains with heavy dynamic lifts like squats and cleans/jerks, which his younger self neglected in favor of running and swimming. - Charles notes that swimming in SEAL training is done with fins, differentiating it from typical pool swimming. - He mentions that the biggest deficit for him now compared to his prime was dynamic lifts like big snatches and clean and jerks. - Charles currently incorporates specific shoulder stretches into his workouts daily to manage previously injured shoulders. - He acknowledges that running is still good for overall health, but heavy lifting is critical for certain performance metrics (like lifting 300-400 lbs on the mat). - The cost for Jocko Underground exclusive content is $8.18 per month or $65.00 per year. ![Screenshot at 00:02: Jocko Willink and Echo Charles are shown side-by-side, contrasting Willink's current appearance with a younger photo of Charles in camouflage, setting up the discussion about comparing their prime physical states.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-00-02.png) **Context:** This segment of the Jocko Podcast features Jocko Willink interviewing Echo Charles, a former Navy SEAL, about physical performance, aging, and training methodologies. The discussion centers on comparing Charles's physical capabilities and training focus during his prime (ages 20-25) versus his current fitness regimen, particularly in the context of the Navy SEAL PST requirements. ## Detailed Analysis The conversation begins with Jocko asking Echo Charles how he compares his current self to his prime (ages 20-25) regarding the PST. Charles states that his younger self would require less preparation time now because his current training incorporates heavy compound movements like squats and clean and jerks, which were absent in his youth. His younger self focused heavily on running and swimming, which are different skill sets; he specifies that SEAL swimming involves fins. Charles notes that as he ages, he needs more warm-up time and specific shoulder stretches due to past injuries, and he has realized that maximizing strength lifts (like benching 300-400 lbs) has a higher risk-reward ratio now compared to his younger years. He contrasts the lack of sprinting in his current routine with the high-intensity nature of his youth training. He mentions that while running is good for general health, it doesn't maintain the same high-end strength metrics. Finally, the discussion touches on the fact that modern technology reduces the necessity for constant high-level physical output, making general fitness less immediately critical for daily functions compared to the past. ### PST Comparison - Younger self needed less prep time for PST because current training includes heavy dynamic lifts (squats, clean & jerks) that prime self lacked - Running and swimming were primary for younger self, but SEAL swimming uses fins. ### Aging and Training Adjustments - Current self needs more warm-up time and specific shoulder stretches due to past injuries - Dynamic lifts now have a higher risk/reward ratio. ### Training Philosophy - Charles now focuses on strength maintenance and endurance for hunting in the mountains, contrasting with the pure high-intensity focus of his youth training. ### Question from Listener - Comparison of lifting numbers (300 lbs vs 400 lbs on the mat) and whether the risk of injury from explosive lifts is worth the benefit at his current age. ### Jocko Underground Subscription - Exclusive content costs $8.18/month or $65.00/year and is accessible via JockoUnderground.com. ![Screenshot at 00:04: Echo Charles is shown lifting pull-ups outdoors with three other men, illustrating the type of functional fitness training discussed.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-00-04.png) ![Screenshot at 00:26: A split screen showing a bloody-faced Charles post-fight next to a photo of him in a Jiu-Jitsu gi, highlighting his martial arts background.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-00-26.png) ![Screenshot at 00:56: Echo Charles wearing a shirt that reads "DISCIPLINE = FREEDOM" while speaking into the microphone.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-00-56.png) ![Screenshot at 01:15: Echo Charles reading from a document containing written questions for the podcast.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-01-15.png) ![Screenshot at 02:16: Jocko Willink explaining the difference between Navy and SEAL PST requirements, noting that SEAL swimming involves fins.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/52Q7VXNyxM4/00-02-16.png)