It is not a bad idea to check compression occasionally in the way described above, particularly after a longer winter pause. Sticking valves are not unusual and can be detected that way. Listen for funny noises as well as you move the prop. But you should hear the klick of the mags.
Do it in a way you do not get hurt if the engine catches or backfires. If you are not able to pull the engine through easily because the engine is stronger than you, leave it to the mechanic at the next annual.
check the condition of the exhaust / heating / carb heater / muffler assembly occasionally as leaks can be deadly due to carbon monoxide inhalation.
And keep thy airspeed up! luckily, there are no autothrottle issues in a cutlass!