Starre Vartan is the author of “The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body.” For centuries, the image of bodily power has been an image of men, mostly one made by men.

In September, Tara Dower became the fastest person ever to complete the Appalachian Trail. Her record — 40 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes — was 13 hours faster than the previous record holder, a man.

In a stunning display of strength and athletic ability, a female strongwoman has set a new record with Guinness World Records after lifting and throwing 10 men in just 37.44 seconds. The remarkable ...