What exactly does that mean to you? To my thinking in means six pack abs. But, most of the people that use this as their body type don't have six pack ads.

Don't we wish thats what it meant...

Good question. Not all athletes have 6pack abs.
Then again "average" is another one. That could be different depending on where in the US you live, some states average are different than others.
I wondered what to put on my profile. I'm in good shape, I don't have 6 pack abs, I'm not skinny, But I'm less than average.
Now I'm confused, I don't know where I belong
Maybe we need more catagories

the woman in that pic scares me

I agree with you and I have the same trouble. I'm 6'3" and 225lbs. That makes me about 30lbs heavy. But, every person I know says I'm "thin." The truth is I'm getting close to obese. However, a good many pro football players are obese too. Obviously that are athletes and therefore must have athletic bodies. It's just not what I think of when I read those words.

If you think that's scary have a look at this!

Is that really a woman?

Yes.

It seems I've come across something people don't want to talk about. I wonder why that is? Insecurity perhaps?

Myself when I see one that has Athletic on their profile what comes to thought to me is they work out regular and in good shape.

I don't assume they are body builders or look like one which to me is a category of their own. Now if they listed body builder then I would assume they looked more like the pictures you posted.

But to me Athletic is one that works out regular one that their body is toned with a few muscle.

those pictures are deceiving (as was your intent )

football players are athletes
basketball players are athletes
swimmers are athletes

not sure if I've seen one of those athletes look like your pics?

Dang! She's sportin' a bigger package than me!!

Here's my idea of a man with an athletic body.

I agree... THIS picture looks "athletic" to me ... the others you posted look, again just to me , as DEFINED.. not necessarily athletic
TTO

oh by the way, <---- I'm .. 6'6" 210 lbs ... AND considered SKINNY LOL

I find sumo wrestlers sexy

I could be considered as having an athletic physique. That of a Sumo Wrestler.

I would need help with the diaper. Any volunteers?

Ha! Ya' beat me to it!!

And here's Sharon Stone. I'd say her body is athletic.

Illuminating.

I consider those descriptions to be a guideline and not an exact science so I don't worry about it too much.

There is a point, when all that muscle will require all attention and maintenance.

I had friends with about less than 8% bodyfat all worked out.

But that's all they did all day.

If you really think, you are getting a strong male with that sort of body, you might wanna double-think, that he (or she) spends a good chunk of the day working out and if you do not have similar ambitions you will always feel like you aren't doing enough yourself, especially if you aren't in a similar shape. You will feel marginalized and self-imposed guilt through your entire relationship.