A continuous table motion magnetic resonance imaging system includes a processor (70) for determining values of scan parameters including at least a subject velocity, a field of view length in the direction of the table velocity, and a preparation sequence time. The acquisition includes performing one or more preparatory operations (54) to manipulate image contrast or to update scanning parameters during table motion. A table (16) is provided for continuously moving a supported imaging subject at the determined velocity. A magnetic resonance imaging scanner (10) through which the table continuously moves the subject acquires magnetic resonance imaging data of the imaged subject during the continuous moving using the determined scan parameters. A reconstruction processor (30, 34, 40) reconstructs the acquired data into an image of the field of view.