Regardless of the size of their muscles, bodybuilders have always gone unnoticed in the newspapers. And when – rarely – they made headlines, there were steroids and other clichés in the headlines. Joan Pradells (Valencia, 1996) changed this absurd reality by force. Never said better. Weighing more than 120 kilos, he is the biggest bodybuilding figure in Spain. Athlete, content creator and founder of PBS Clothinghis own sportswear brand, discover the podcast this week “Read the newspaper in 20 minutes”.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan in early December, forcing 23,000 people to evacuate in the face of waves of up to 3 meters. The event Pradells almost surprisedwho was in Japan a few days before to participate in bodybuilding competitions. “They were super prepared: in all the restaurants there was an alert button in case something happened like in 2011,” he says, referring to the disaster that left more than 11,000 dead and affected the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Last week, the main protagonists of the news were the doctors, who took to the streets again request that their working hours do not exceed 35 hours per week, like the rest of health workers, or that the guards be volunteers and contribute to Social Security. For a year, Joan has been living with her partner, “and a few chickens”, in Andorra. “I have not gone to the public doctor in Spain since the Covid vaccine, for the checks I have my private insurance,” he explains.
My goal for 2026 is to compete with a smile. I enjoy the process more than the goal of achieving the Mr. Olympia
As an elite bodybuilder, Pradells must carefully monitor his health. “Next week, I’m going to the cardiologist, then to the pulmonologist, to treat my breathing, because I suffer from sleep amnea, and also to the neurologist, because I had an epileptic attack in China.” “This happened to me because of lack of sleep, stress, dehydration… It was very shocking to go to a Chinese hospital. An example: They took a blood test and covered the hole with their finger. It makes you appreciate the healthcare that exists in Spain.
In the economics section, We are approaching the most expensive Christmas in history: Seven of the foods most requested by Spaniards, such as Iberian ham, oysters or pineapple, are at maximum price. This time our guest will skip the diet. “Years ago I had Tupperware for Christmas dinner. Now, at family gatherings and special events, I try to be more consistent: I eat whatever they give me for dinner and enjoy the time with the family. “My mother will be happier,” he jokes.
Fitness experts insist that alcohol is very harmful for muscle hypertrophy. “But I don’t drink champagne because I don’t like alcohol or soft drinks. Absolutely nothing happens if you have a glass,” says Joan. This New Year’s Eve, he will go to bed early. “I haven’t gone out partying since 2019 and I think I won’t do it this year either. “I just don’t feel comfortable in those environments.”
We ask you to increase your goals for 2026: “Next year, I will be 30 years old, so I have a financial objective. Then, in terms of bodybuilding, I want to compete with a smile, without pressure.” Pradells says not qualifying for the Mister Olympia, the world’s most important bodybuilding championship, “is not a failure.” “I’m young and it will depend on how the year goes: I like the process more than the end goal.”
Rosalía entered the room and the atmosphere completely changed… Meeting her and seeing her sing live was incredible
Any advice for anyone planning to get stronger next year? “Find something that you like and that fits into your daily life. It is not necessary to go to the gym. The main thing is that it is something simple and not to consider it a bad part of your routine. This way you will be able to maintain it over time; if you abandon it in February you will not see results.”
Arriving on the sports pages, Joan emphasizes that “now” he focuses on bodybuilding, but that he is not married to any discipline. “I played rugby, powerlifting and I make my living with different things. If one day I stop liking bodybuilding, it doesn’t matter: I’m going to start something new.” He’s not overwhelmed by the future either: “In bodybuilding, between 33 and 38 are the peak years; from there, retirement generally comes.”
In the cultural block, Rosalía is a trend after announcing her international tour. The Valencian had the opportunity to meet her in person during the recording of a sketch For The revoltwhere he also met Estopa, Almodóvar, Broncano and Carmen Machi. “I connected a lot with Zowi and Alexia Putellas because we are the same age. But when Rosalía walked in in a white dress, the atmosphere in the room completely changed. It’s spectacular. Hearing her sing live was incredible.”
We come to the end of the diary in memory of the great Robe Iniesta, who recently died at the age of 63. “My partner, Marta, told me in the morning that she was very sad,” says Joan before saying goodbye… Just one last thing: she has to play the role of journalist and leave a question for next week’s guest. “What sport(s) would you enroll your children in when they are little and why?” Now yes. As Robe would say: “Forever, always, always.” »
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