Some 82 percent of recreational athletes use fitness tracking technology, which includes smartphone apps, fitness tracking devices, GPS watches, and heart rate monitors, according to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) survey of 2,000 recreational athletes in the UK. The poll was fielded by Censuswide in March.

The survey also found that 62 percent of respondents said they use two or more devices. The most popular fitness tracking technology was running apps, about 44 percent of respondents said they use one, followed by 37 percent of respondents that use wearable fitness trackers, and 18 percent that use smartwatches.

A large percentage of respondents, 93 percent, said using fitness tracking tools led to a change in their health behavior. About 75 percent of respondents said since they started using a fitness tracker, they began exercising more. Within this group, 10 percent said they exercise twice as often and about 25 percent said they exercise at least one more time per week. 

The survey found that 40 percent of users said since they started using a fitness tracking device, they take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator more often. Additionally 41 percent of respondents said as a result of their fitness tracking device, they walk when they can, instead of driving or taking public transportation.

When asked about what kinds of additional features they want from their fitness tracking tools, 40 percent said they want fitness apps and devices to provide them with more personalized health data, for example providing them with nutrition advice based on performance.