Even if I don’t plan on competing. Is it still worthwhile to train in Muay Thai?

I’ve personally tested and tried a few Muay Thai gyms. A specific school told me to look into cardio kickboxing or ATA style instead of Muay Thai. In your guys personal opinion is this a turn off? I had to explain to the Kru that I am interested in learning real self defense/ striking. She told me you can get fitness and self defense by doing cardio kickboxing.