In an extraordinary feat of strength, Cuban athlete and coach Lilian M. Zamora Alonso, widely known as "Lilita," has achieved a Guinness World Record while residing in Miami. She accomplished this by lifting an astounding 289.90 kg (639 pounds) in the category of Maximum Weight Hip Thrust (female).
The official attempt took place on March 27, 2026, in a Miami gym. However, Lilian shared her achievement on Instagram on August 11, after keeping it under wraps for three months while awaiting Guinness World Records' validation.
"Three months ago, I stood in front of that bar with a dream that I had unknowingly been building for years. On that day, I lifted 639 lbs, and began a three-month wait, during which I had to keep one of the biggest secrets of my life," she expressed in her post.
The Hip Thrust: A Test of Strength
The hip thrust is a strength exercise that primarily targets the glutes. During this workout, the participant lifts a barbell loaded with weights by extending the hips, with their back supported on a bench.
Guinness World Records has an official category for this discipline for both female and male competitors. The previous record was set by Kaitlyn Callo, who lifted 274.42 kg (605 pounds) in San Francisco in August 2024.
Pushing the Limits: Training and Nutrition
To achieve the monumental lift of 639 pounds, Lilian had to completely overhaul her training and nutrition strategies. She explained in a video that her initial maximum was 635 pounds for one repetition. To focus on strength rather than hypertrophy, she shifted from performing eight to twelve repetitions to working specifically on her one-rep max.
Her physical regimen was complemented by a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates, helping her recover swiftly and handle increasingly heavier weights.
A New Beginning
Lilian has been immersed in the fitness world for nearly a decade, solidifying her reputation as a fitness coach and digital content creator in Miami. She views this achievement as a starting point: "I feel like this is the beginning of something much bigger."
In 2025, another Cuban athlete, Jhoen Lefont, set a new world record while maintaining his Guinness World Record in aquatic ball control. In total, he holds over a dozen world records, with 10 recognized by Guinness World Records.
Cuban World Records: Insights and Achievements
How did Lilian M. Zamora Alonso achieve her Guinness World Record?
Lilian achieved her Guinness World Record by lifting 639 pounds in the Maximum Weight Hip Thrust category, following a rigorous training regimen and a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet.
What changes did Lilian make to her training to break the record?
To break the record, Lilian shifted her focus from hypertrophy training to strength training, working specifically on her one-rep max and adjusting her diet to support her increased workload.
Who held the previous record for the Maximum Weight Hip Thrust (female)?
The previous record was held by Kaitlyn Callo, who lifted 605 pounds in San Francisco in August 2024.