Yea it is pretty intense, but it can be hard to bust out all 8 reps sometimes when you get further into the workout. Yesterday when we did preacher I could barely do 7 reps on the last set cuz of the higher weight we used. All in all it was an excellent workout though.
squats and deads i make a conscious effort to take some time between sets. with most other exercises i get a drink, add some weight, maybe wipe some sweat then go at it again, so about a minute.