How obstructing is an obstacle? The influence of starting posture on obstacle avoidance

► We examine reaches toward target objects with non-targets present in the workspace. ► Non-targets can be 'distracting' or 'obstructing'. ► We manipulate physical obstruction of obstacles without changing object features. ► Increasing obstruction leads to movements veering away more from the non-target. ► Non-targets influence the movement trajectory partly because they are 'obstructing'.