GYM CONTRACT

My husband and I joined a gym 2 yrs ago. We decided to quit our membership (6 mths early) and we notified the gym appropriately. They told us, "whatever the circumstances are, you cannot stop paying us." They refused to negotiate the contract or bend the rules, even though we payed a large sign-up fee in the beginning and we always paid our monthly dues.

We stopped payment, hoping they would drop us from the roles. **************...Six months later - we're being harassed by creditors.

Last night, a creditor called me and yelled profanities at me and told me we were being sued.

My first question is - How legitimate are these GYM contracts and how can we get ourselves out of this mess?

My second question is - Could I use the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as a way to negotiate the terms of the contract?

I would greatly appreciate any help you could provide. Thank you.