By shooting continuous, I assume you mean AF-C mode. If so, one has to ask, why are you shooting stationary or near stationary subjects in AF-C mode. That is exactly what AF-S mode is meant for. I would select that mode over the Auto mode all day long.
For a description of these modes, see below (from Thom Hogan's complete guide:
• AF C Continuous Servo autofocus—when you press or partially press the shutter release the camera focuses the lens. On a full shutter release press, the shutter normally opens for the picture even if focus has not yet been achieved (with Custom Setting #A1 set to its default). If the = Focus Confirmation indicator shows in the viewfinder with the shutter release held partway down, focus follows the subject until you fully press or let go of the shutter release.
• AF S Single Servo autofocus—when you press or partially press the shutter release the camera focuses the lens. On a full shutter release press, the shutter normally does not operate until focus has been achieved (if Custom Setting #A2 is set to the default).
• AF A Auto Servo autofocus—when you press or partially press the shutter release the camera initially works as if AF S is active. However, if after a moment the camera detects that the subject is moving, it switches to AF C! While it at first sounds as if this is the best of all worlds—the camera is doing the decision making here—in practice it tends to just make you more and more frustrated the longer you hold onto using it. I suggest that you consider starting with this as your choice (it’s the default), but the pause before detecting motion is a killer for precise timing of shots. Eventually you want to be in AF S for static subjects, AF C for moving subjects. Since you can switch between those choices without taking your eye from the viewfinder, learn how to do it and work at mastering the camera rather than letting it make choices for you.