Which muscle group is specifically targeted when performing a barbell tricep extension with a narrow grip?

The barbell tricep extension with a narrow grip specifically targets the triceps muscles, which are located at the back of the upper arm. This exercise emphasizes the triceps due to the movement's requirement for elbow extension against resistance. When performing this movement, the narrow grip enhances the activation of the triceps compared to a wider grip, as it places more focus on the lateral and long heads of the tricep muscle.

Other muscle groups may be involved as stabilizers during the exercise, but the primary function of the triceps is to extend the elbow, making it the main muscle worked in this exercise. The quadriceps are primarily involved in knee extension, the hamstrings are important for knee flexion and hip extension, and the rhomboids are involved in retracting the scapulae. Therefore, the triceps are the clear focus in this specific exercise, reinforcing the importance of understanding muscle function and isolation during training.