There are some things you really can’t afford to skip as you grow older.

For instance, one of the most crucial habits to keep up with is performing upper-bodycompound exercises.

Dr. Bohl clues us in on the six exercises you shouldn’t leave out of your workout routine.

mature man rowing at the gym, concept of the best upper-body compound exercises

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If you’re not already incorporating compound movements into your routine, it’s time to change that.

Compound exercises activate more than one muscle group simultaneously.

After all, you are training your body to perform more intricate movements when compared to isolation exercises.

illustration of barbell bench press

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And next, don’t miss the7 Top-Recommended Compound Exercises To Melt Belly Fat.

Pushups are also easy to do anywhere since they don’t require any equipment," Dr. Bohl says.

Keep your hips aligned with your shoulders.

mature man doing pull-ups for stronger muscles after 40

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ensure your lower back doesn’t sag; it should form a “neutral curve,” theNASMexplains.

Keep your core activated and your glutes squeezed as you descend toward the floor.

Then, press yourself back up to the starting position.

To set up, lie down on your back on a workout bench.

The barbell should be just above your heart’s center.

Once your knees are bent and your feet are pressed into the ground, you’re ready to go.

Using an overhand grip, grab onto the barbell.

Your hands should be placed just outside the distance of your shoulder span.

Push your shoulders into the bench as you take the bar off of its holder.

Press the weight up as you fully extend your arms.

Then, inhale as you gradually bring the bar down toward your chest.

Exhale, and push the barbell back up.

They target your triceps and parts of your shoulders and chest," Dr. Bohl explains.

To perform dips, grab onto the parallel bars, and ensure both arms are straight,Stackinstructs.

Form a 45-degree angle as you hinge forward.

Keep your legs vertical and your shoulders pressed down.

Gradually bend at your elbows to descend into a “dip.”

Keep going until your upper arms become parallel to the floor.

Then, press yourself back up to the position you started in.

It targets the shoulders and triceps."

To set up, double-check the barbell is essentially chest-height on the rack,BarBendexplains.

Your hands should be placed on the bar, just outside shoulder-width.

Next, unrack the barbell.

Step away from the rack, and plant your feet the distance of your shoulder span.

Activate your core, and tuck your chin.

Then, use control to lower it back down.

To begin, take hold of the pull-up bar, palms facing down,Strong Liftsinstructs.

Hang onto the bar with your arms fully extended and your feet off the ground.

Then, pull your body upward by bringing your elbows down toward the ground.

Your chin should go above the bar before lowering back down.

Rows

Last but not least, we’ll wrap up with rows.

For instance, you’ve got the option to use cables, a machine, or free weights.

Or maybe the seated cable row is more your speed.

Whatever variation you do, though, expect to work your upper-back muscles and your biceps.