Jana Pittman reveals how she juggles six kids, working 12-hour shifts

Australian Olympian Jana Pittman has opened up about a new personal struggle and what she’s doing to cope.

Dual Olympian Jana Pittman has opened up about the struggles of raising six children, working 12-hour shifts and staying healthy, amid mounting speculation her relationship has ended.

In her first interview since a series of cryptic social media posts suggested she was no longer with husband Paul Gatward, the two-time world champion admitted she struggles to find time for exercise.

“I am someone who needs motivation to exercise. I am definitely a person who make excuses,” the two-time world champion admitted.

Jana Pittman with twins Willow and Quinlan, 18 months, Charlie, 2, Jemima, 6, Emily, 8 and Cornelis, 16. Picture: Supplied

New research from Australian Bananas revealed the nation's level of physical activity was at a new low compared to three years ago with 37 per cent of people reporting they are time-poor and 32 per cent were more unmotivated than ever.

Cost of living was also contributing, with about a quarter of 1003 people surveyed saying they could not afford the gym or to do a sport they loved.

Pittman, who works as a doctor at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women, urged other Aussie mums to find time to exercise, even if it was just 20 to 15 minutes.

“Exercise, activity and eating healthy impacts every single aspect of a healthy lifestyle. If you want to avoid being in a hospital – (exercise) is the number one treatment you can do for yourself,” she said.

“We know that when you exercise more, the healthier you are, more productive and brain power you have – theoretically and hopefully that leads to an increase in revenue.”

Jana Pittman with husband Paul Gatward and her six children Cornelis, Emily, Jemima, Charlie and twins Quinlan and Willow. Picture: Instagram/Belinda Gerace

She encouraged people to exercise outdoors with a walk or run; do a circuit in the park with push-ups and sit-ups. Alternatively, join a running or cycling group to help save money on gym fees.

Pittman refused to comment about her marriage, which was thrust into the spotlight in September following a comment she made on social media.

All she would say was: “I lean on my village when I need. They are generally there when I need them.”

In an emotional Instagram post about losing two au pairs and trying to balance looking after her brood, which includes one-year-old twins, Pittman revealed she was “basically solo parenting”.

When followers asked where her “hubby” Gatward was, she replied saying: “He tried but now that we don’t live together his work commitments make help very hard”.

National Banana Day is October 18. Pittman is encouraging Aussies to take part in the virtual relay. Those who film themselves being active, passing on the banana baton and share it on Instagram go into the draw to win one of two $1000 EFTPOS gift vouchers.

Originally published as Jana Pittman reveals how she juggles six kids, working 12-hour shifts