Strength training relies on many muscles in your body to perform the exercises. You may focus your strength exercise on one muscle group, but be receiving benefits in other muscle groups as well. You cannot stand and lift weights over your head, for instance, without the muscles of your legs contracting to hold you in a standing position. This principle applies when you perform tricep kickbacks; you rely on your core -- including the abs -- to help you maintain body position as you work your arms.
Tricep
Your triceps are located on the back of your upper arms. This muscle has three heads to it, which is why it begins with the prefix "tri." Vary how you strengthen your tricep and target each head by changing your hand positions. Perform a tricep exercise with your palms up, palms down or palms facing in.
Kickback
To strengthen your triceps with tricep kickbacks, use dumbbells, resistance bands or a strength-training machine. The American Council on Exercise, or ACE, suggests a one-arm kickback exercise with a dumbbell. Begin this exercise by standing with your feet in a split stance. Position your right foot slightly in front of your left foot. Place the dumbbell in your left hand and rest your right hand on your right thigh. Lean slightly forward and tighten your stomach to support your back. Your bent left elbow is raised behind and slightly higher than your back. Perform the kickback by straightening your left arm and keeping your elbow stationary.
Resistance Band
Perform the tricep kickback exercise with a resistance band instead of a dumbbell using the same position. Anchor a band near the floor in front of you by tying or wrapping it around the leg of a couch or chair. At the gym, tie it to the bottom of a weight bench. Stand with your feet in a split stance and lean slightly forward over your front leg. Contract your abdominal muscles to provide stability for your upper body. This position requires strength in your legs and core to maintain stability as you move the resistance.
Core
Although your triceps are the primary muscle movers for the kickbacks, your abs are secondary, stabilizing muscle movers. Your triceps perform the majority of the action to move either the dumbbell or resistance band. Your abs, meanwhile, contract to keep you in the slightly bent-forward body position.
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