Strong curves? Or just general Glutes question

jesslo800

I recently started the Strong Curves workout program and i'm having a really difficult time contracting the glutes during the exercises.
I've spent my workouts stretching,doing a million donkey kicks,bridges,anything to activate the muscles but i don't feel a thing. At that point my legs are literally shaking and then i try to perform the different exercises with the weight i progressed to before starting Strong Curves but shaky legs don't make a good workout,also trying to activate the muscles during the exercise leads me to keep moving around trying to find some magical angle that would do the trick which usually only leads to a messed up form.
I've had the worst workout again today and ready to give up,help please?

hazleyes81

Can you contract them just sitting there?