Hi Sandy, lots of questions in one go.
Q1: About bodyfat measurements:
It's true that bodyfat measurement scales are not precise and may vary a lot between them. The reason is that on a scale like that a current goes through your body, measuring the resistance of your body tissue and calculating the result. Depending on water retention, muscle and fat mass, the results are not very reliable and may vary greatly according to the scale you use. So do not hang yourself up on the results, the only thing you will know is if you have gone down or in comparison to your last measurement on the same scale.
The best bodyfat measurement is still with plain multipoint caliphers.
Q2: define athletic. You cannot change your bodytype, you can adjust its requirements. Being athletic is being active and fit, not having a certain bodytype (superslim, tall, toned or muscled, whatever). If you want to get fit and into better shape, you have to push your body a bit farther every time you work out, but be careful! Don't hurt yourself. Have a look at
www.stumptuous.com/ iron, lots of good, sound and free advice there.
Hope this helps,
Greekgirl