Disclosure: This is me trying to work out some ideas from my work research. I think I got the science right? But please forgive me if I didn't! But also please give me feedback. Thank you.

When we move, the only input we can give from our brains results on a cellular level in the shortening of a sarcomere. Full disclosure, actually understanding this for yourself is a real trip. This means that when we perform any movement the only input we are giving results in a concentric muscular contraction. When a sarcomere lengthens, or results in an eccentric muscular contraction or “stretch” experience, it is as a result of a) antagonist muscles contracting b) gravity and an optional point of contact (a bar, rings, aerial silks - or the various props to promote a deeper “stretch”)

On each muscle, there are two sensors that inform your brain where you are in space. They each receive information via stretch. The muscle spindle receptor provides the brain with insights into a joint’s position from how much the attached muscles are stretched (eccentric contraction). The Golgi tendon organ, contrastingly, stretches when the muscle contracts (concentric contraction). The difference has to do with where these neurons are located; the muscle spindle receptor runs alongside individual fibers of the muscle, whereas the Golgi tendon organ are connected in line with the muscle.

In my experience when applying a sensory-informed perspective in training, it’s easier to perceive muscles in extension (rather than contraction). So, my argument is that PUSH exercises challenge your ability to manually coordinate muscles (to contract) without the sensory interference of muscles in extension. In my opinion, this means that your mind can understand your body’s responses to PUSH-based exercises better and faster when training from a sensory-informed perspective (monitoring the sensation of muscular contraction) than PULL exercises. That said, PULL exercises are probably far better for challenging coordination! But for my fitness goal of shockingly lucid movement, the evidence points to mastering PUSH exercises to iterate on voluntary muscular control and coordination via sensation.