What is Strong Curves Bootyful Beginnings?
Strong Curves “Bootyful Beginnings” is the beginner program from Bret Contreras and Kellie Davis's book Strong Curves — a 12-week, glute-focused, full-body plan. It is built around hip thrusts, glute bridges and the big lower-body lifts, with balanced upper-body and core work, and it is designed to take a complete beginner from bodyweight basics to confident barbell training.
The 12 weeks are split into three four-week phases. Each phase has three workouts — A, B and C — trained on a four-day week as A, B, A, C, so Workout A comes around twice. There are no percentages or one-rep maxes to calculate: the whole program runs on rep ranges and double progression. Pick a weight you can move for the listed reps, and when you beat the top of the range, you add a little load and work back up.
How LiftLab runs Strong Curves
- All three phases as separate, fully editable plans you install in order
- Double progression on every rep range — beat the top, add weight, repeat
- The A1/A2 and B1/B2 supersets paired and rested as a unit
- A built-in hold timer for the plank and glute-march work
- The 4-day A/B/A/C week, with Workout A scheduled twice
- History, PRs and plate-rounded weights tracked automatically
The three phases
Each phase is its own plan in LiftLab. Run it for four weeks, then install the next one.
- Phase 1 · Weeks 1–4Bodyweight and dumbbell foundation — learn the patterns and build a base.
- Phase 2 · Weeks 5–8Barbell introduced — hip thrust replaces the floor bridge; chin-ups and kettlebell swings come in.
- Phase 3 · Weeks 9–12Barbell emphasis — barbell hip thrust, squat, Romanian deadlift and good morning carry the load.
Who it's for
New lifters who want a structured, glute-focused start and would rather follow a proven plan than build their own. There is no maxing and no math — you simply choose a weight you can handle for the reps and progress it as you get stronger. When you finish all 12 weeks, the natural next step is a heavier, lower-rep intermediate program.
How to get Strong Curves in LiftLab
- Install LiftLab free from Google PlayLiftLab is an Android app. Download it from Google Play — no account or sign-up needed.
- Open the Programs tab and browse the catalogThe online program library lives inside the app.
- Download Phase 1 of Strong Curves Bootyful BeginningsIt's added to your app as a fully editable copy.
- Pick your starting weightsChoose a load you can move for each exercise's rep range; set the rounding increment so weights land on real plates and dumbbells.
- Train, then advanceLog sets with the rest and hold timers running. After four weeks, install the next phase — history and PRs carry across.
Strong Curves FAQ
Do I need the LiftLab app to run Strong Curves?
Yes. LiftLab is a free Android app. Install it from Google Play and download the Strong Curves Bootyful Beginnings plan from the in-app catalog.
Is this the full 12-week Bootyful Beginnings program?
Yes — all three four-week phases are included as separate, editable plans. Run Phase 1 for four weeks, then install Phase 2, then Phase 3, for the complete 12-week beginner block.
Do I need to know my one-rep max?
No. Strong Curves uses rep ranges and double progression, not percentages. Pick a weight you can move for the listed reps; when you beat the top of the range on every set, LiftLab prompts you to add a little weight and work back up.
Is Strong Curves free in LiftLab?
Yes — the app and the plan are free, with no account required.
